Back Shamrock and St Pat's to battle out a stalemate

 

Daniel McDonnell casts his eye over the Airtricity Irish Premier Division and thinks the game of the night will end in a draw...

 

Goals were in short supply in last weekend's opening round of Airtricity League fixtures and it's something for punters to bear in mind going into tonight.

 

A big feature of the pre-season previews was that predictions for several clubs came with the caveat that their performance depending on finding a goalscorer within  their ranks and, while it's extremely early days, there was some evidence of that last week.

 

The Dalymount Park meeting of Bohemians and UCD was the only top flight game to exceed 2.5 goals and that was heavily influenced by a first half sending off.  Otherwise, we had two scoreless draws, and three 1-0 wins.

 

Tonight's feature game between Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic is another obvious candidate for Under 2.5 Goals backers. The Saints have retained their  strong defence from 2012 but circumstances have forced them to change the shape of their midfield - specifically the fact that key players James Chambers and Sean  O'Connor followed assistant boss Trevor Croly to Tallaght.

 

Rovers were disappointing in Dundalk last Friday, taking a long time to find their stride. They impressed against a poor Linfield side in the Setanta Cup but they  won't find it as easy to create chances here. The suspicion is that these Dublin rivals are in danger of cancelling each other out.

 

The 3.35 about the draw is attractive, with the 1.66 about Under 2.5 goals reflecting that traders evidently already believe it's the way to go.

 

Elsewhere, Dundalk appeal as one of the bets of the night as they travel to Shelbourne. Stephen Kenny's side won a League Cup meeting between these teams on Monday,  and the hosts might find it difficult this year after losing some big players in pre-season. The 2.94 about a way win is extremely appealing.

 

Drogheda are 2.16 to defeat Limerick, but the visitors are capable of putting it up to them. Stuart Taylor's side demonstrated some promise in a scoreless draw with Cork on Sunday and while the Louthmen came through with a late winner in the Setanta Cup against Derry on Monday, they could be laying material here.

 

Cork City are capable of living up to their favourites tag when Bohemians visit Turners Cross, and they burst out of the blocks to comfortably beat Cliftonville in the  Setanta Cup at this venue. It took them longer to warm up against Crusaders but they have the ability to start well so if you're looking for extra value on top of the  win odds, take the 3.1 about the Leesiders to lead at Half Time and Full Time.

 

The Belfield meeting of UCD and Derry is difficult to assess. Derry are favourites but they've made a less than convincing start to the season and they have some  inconsistent performers in their ranks. A small bet on a draw is advised 3.35.

 

Recommended Bets

Back The Draw Shamrock Rovers v St Pat's 3.35

Back Dundalk to beat Shelbourne at 2.94

Lay Drogheda to beat Limerick at 2.16

Cork City/Cork City Half Time/Full Time v Bohemians at 3.1

Draw UCD v Derry at 3.35

 

Bet HERE

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