Derry set to honour memory of McBride

Derry City begin life without inspirational defender Ryan McBride tonight and can beat Bray Wanderers in his honour.

It is a monumental challenge for the Candystripes to even think about resuming playing football, but they have an excellent man-manager in Kenny Shiels and even-money about a home victory tonight looks long.

Derry remain legitimate title challengers, which cannot be said of Bray. The visitors have shipped 12 goals in six games, losing three of their last four. Their defensive deficiencies were somewhat unexpected considering how strong they were in that regard last year.

Derry have been extremely fluid in attack and it is a surprise that they are available at evens. They have won all their matches so far.

There has been money for St Patrick’s Athletic against Bohemians. Pat’s got their first win against Shamrock Rovers last week but that result came largely thanks to the Hoops playing most of the game with ten men.

Pats are not as bad as their results suggested but they are little or no better than Bohs, who have home advantage.

Bohs’ excellent management team of Keith Long and Trevor Croly will have a plan in place for the Saints and odds-against draw-no-bet about Bohemians looks a bit big.

Limerick’s clash against Cork should be a cracker, though there does not seem to be much wrong with the prices. In another provincial derby, Galway United host Sligo Rovers, and the money has come for Galway.

The best price now about the Tribesmen is 29-20 and that is probably worth a bet. They have been very competitive in most of their matches and Sligo are conceding goals far too easily. This is a huge game for both sides.

Finn Harps have made a bright start and play Shamrock Rovers at a good time. Rovers are already 12 points off the top and a Harps side who have a bit more attacking threat this season should not fear them.

In the televised game, Dundalk host neighbours Drogheda. David McMillan looks certain to start and can be backed at 11-4 to score first.

Recommendations
Derry City
2pts evens Hills, Paddy Power
Bohemians draw no bet
2pts 21-20 Hills
Galway
1pt 29-20 BoyleSports
D McMillan first goalscorer
1pt 11-4 BoyleSports