FAI Ford Cup: The best bets from this weekend's cup clashes

31May 2013

Betfair

Daniel McDonnell previews the weekend action in the FAI Ford Cup, and with the 'big boys' entering the competition, there's some good-looking bets on offer...

The magic of the cup has been diluted by timing in Ireland since the move to summer football. This weekend, the league clubs join the FAI Ford Cup and there are a number of clashes between established Premier and First Division sides and non-league clubs coming.

But surprises have been few and far between in recent years with this May kick-off date coming at the end of a long season for the various amateur clubs from around the country. By contrast, the Airtricity League sides are just warming up, with their fitness advantange weighing heavily against the chances of the underdogs causing an upset.

And the prices this weekend tell their own story. Several Premier Division clubs are currently trading in or around the 1.2 mark.

The search for value brings us to the tie of the round, the all top flight clash of Bohemians and Drogheda. Mick Cooke's visitors come into the Dalymount Park tie as favourites, a reflection of how poor Bohs were in their abject defeat to St Patrick's Athletic last week. That was quite a comedown after a decent performance against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght.

Bohs are without physical striker Dave Scully, with manager Aaron Callaghan concerned they could be a little lightweight. However, Drogheda's back four can be exposed by the speed and youth that Bohs do possess going forward. Certainly, Callaghan's men caused Drogheda problems in Louth earlier this month, coming from behind twice in a 2-2 draw. In that context, Drogheda look to be trading too short at 2.14. They may be capable of bringing the tie back to their patch, but Bohs are capable of preventing them from enjoying victory at the first attempt.

There could also be laying potential at the Carlisle Grounds, where Bray Wanderers are trading at 1.68 to defeat promotion chasing Mervue. Admittedly, the latter have struggled in recent weeks, but they also have experience in their ranks that is capable of stifling a Seagulls side which is relying on youngsters in certain departments. Jason Byrne's heroics inspired them to a victory over Drogheda last week, but it's hard to encourage punters to place their faith in them at the prices.

Finn Harps and Wexford Youths are just ahead of Mervue in the table and are no strangers to each other, having met last weekend with the Youths scoring a 2-1 success. The earlier meeting between the sides this season concluded in a scoreless draw and this could prove to be a cagey affair. 3.1 about Under 1.5 Goals appeals.

Saturday's markets are still taking shape but there's a few games to look out for. The meeting of St Patrick's CY and Cobh Ramblers offers upset potential, with the Dubliners priced at 2.64. They have some good players in their ranks; Cobh are still adjusting to being a First Division side again.

Derry City are one Premier Division that tend to show no mercy when they get ahead and therefore keep track of the goals markets from their trip to Blarney in Cork. Over 4.5 Goals could prove to be an interesting cut-off point when the traders get involved.

Recommended Bets

Lay Drogheda United @ 2.14 v Bohemians

Lay Bray Wanderers @ 1.68 v Mervue

Back Under 1.5 Goals @ 3.1 in Finn Harps v Wexford Youths 3.1

Back St Patrick's CY to beat UCD

Back Over 4.5 Goals in Blarney v Derry