Airtricity Premier Division Betting: St Pat's to get back on track

5Apr 2013

Ír Premier League

It's another big weekend of Airtricity League action and Daniel McDonnell has cast his eye over the fixtures to pick out the value bets

St Patrick's v Bray

After a tame start and a goalkeeping error cost them dearly against Dundalk on Tuesday, St Patrick's Athletic need to get back to winning ways this weekend.

An uninspiring opening to the new campaign is probably the main reason they are trading at 1.78 to win in Bray, a game where you might have expected them to be a little shorter. It indicates concerns at their form but, while the Seagulls are a decent side with experience in key areas, the overall Saints package should be strong enough to deliver the three points from this game and they are a good price to triumph.

They actually didn't play too badly in the second half against Dundalk with Killian Brennan, who was surprisingly rested from the outset, making a difference in a midfield that was disjointed and out passed in the first 45 minutes. While they still lack an outstanding striker to finish their decent build-up play, the Saints are capable of putting themselves into a winning position if they kick out of the blocks with more purpose; you would expect them to do so after shipping criticism in the wake of the Dundalk loss.

Recommended Bet: St Pat's to beat Bray 1.78

Derry v Bohemians

Derry travel to Dalymount to take on Bohemians in front of the live television cameras and while they are doing their best to keep track of early leaders Sligo Rovers, this is a tricky test for Declan Devine's side. Admittedly, their 100% away record warrants serious respect but three of their four wins this term have come against Bray, UCD, and Shels - the three most likely members of the relegation battle.

Sligo came to Dalymount last Friday and won comfortably, but they were helped by an early gift from the hosts. Aaron Callaghan's men tried to play the right way in that game and went on to score a win over Shels at Tolka on Monday. They made life difficult for Shamrock Rovers here and they are capable of doing the same to the Candystripes. A tentative lay of Derry at 2.08 could be the way to go here.

Recommended Bet: Lay Derry v Bohemians at 2.08

Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda

Like St Pat's, Shamrock Rovers desperately need to a register a win this weekend, and they won't be too happy that Drogheda are their opposition. Mick Cooke's men have happy memories of Tallaght, but they have been surprisingly generous at the back this season. By contrast, Shamrock Rovers have conceded just twice in six games; the problem in their five draws has been putting the ball in the back of the net. Despite being down to ten men, they posed problems for Limerick during the week and might have won the game. Take a punt on them collecting the three points here and leading at the interval on the way to doing so.

Dundalk v Limerick

The meeting at Oriel Park is interesting. The latter have adjusted well to the league with a clutch of new faces, but they might find the plastic pitch at Oriel a little disconcerting. The Lilywhites have struggled to match their away form at home, but their confidence should be high and Limerick's style of play should make for a decent game. At 2.6 the hosts are overpriced.

Recommended Bet: Dundalk to beat Limerick at 2.6

Cork v UCD

Cork will have more than enough to register a home wins v UCD and are priced accordingly. The visitors unfortunately give too many chances away and - as a young side - they have a tendency to drop heads when they fall behind. The 3.0 about Over 3.5 Goals in the Turner's Cross game makes some appeal when you consider that the students have conceded two or more goals in each of their outings this term.

Recommended Bet: Over 3.5 Goals at 3.0