Airtricity Premier Division Betting: Top two worth opposing this weekend

 

Daniel McDonnell previews this weekend's games in the Airtricity Premier Division and believes the top two in the Irish league are worth opposing...

 

Sligo Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic are joint leaders of the Airtricity League and could well fill the top two places at the end of the season, but they are laying  material this weekend.

 

They face difficult games on their travels. St Patrick's Athletic are at Dublin rivals Bohemians, while Sligo Rovers travel to take on Limerick in the televised match  at Thomond Park. Both are trading at short prices for encounters where they could face difficulty.

 

Certainly, the 1.57 about a win for the Saints over Bohemians at Dalymount Park is not at all appealing. The earlier meeting between the sides this season finished in a well contested draw at Richmond Park, and Bohemians have demonstrated they are capable of raising their performance levels for meetings with the big guns.

 

Last week, they were full value for a point from their Tallaght meeting with Shamrock Rovers. Aaron Callaghan's side may be at home, but he can set them up in a way  that can frustrate the Saints and hit them on the counter. Liam Buckley's side are in good form, yet there is still a fear that they fail to translate dominance to  victories. They are a lay here - although with superior options on the bench they could be backed again in-running if they drift.

 

Sligo have been hit with an injury setback this week, with centre half Evan McMillan ruled out for at least four weeks after minor knee surgery. McMillan has filled  the void left by the departure of Jason McGuinness to Shamrock Rovers and has formed a good partnership with Gavin Peers. Jeff Henderson is a capable replacement, yet  the suspicion is that a slightly inconsistent side can pose problems for the Sligo rearguard in the wide expanses of Thomond Park.

 

Again, from a value point of view, the 1.84 holds some attraction from a laying perspective.

 

In a week of difficult fixtures, the most straightforward victory should be for Shamrock Rovers over managerless Shelbourne at Tallaght. The Hoops have made things  difficult for themselves in league games, however, and are hard to back with conviction. Shels are deservedly at the bottom of the table and it's hard to see them  registering a shock under caretaker boss Kevin Doherty.

 

Rovers have been poor in their last two league outings, but bounced back with an EA Sports Cup win over Dundalk on Monday. When they get on top, they tend to be  dominant and this game could provide goals. Over 3.5 Goals at 2.88 is worth a few quid.

 

UCD are looking sturdier than Shels in terms of the battle to escape the drop and they travel to Dundalk tomorrow night. The Lilywhites are fourth in the table and  improving on home turf. They struck late to score a victory over Shels in their last home game and, in a clash that is likely to be cagey and revolve around a crowded  midfield, the 7.2 about a 1-0 home success is attractive.

 

Recommended Bets

Lay St Patrick's Athletic @ 1.57 v Bohemians

Lay Sligo Rovers @ 1.84 v Limerick

Back Over 3.5 Goals in Shamrock Rovers v Shelbourne @ 2.88

Back 1-0 Correct Score in Dundalk v UCD @ 7.2

 

Bet HERE

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