League favourites Dundalk fancied to brush Bray aside

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Shamrock Rovers become more of an enigma every week and predicting how their Dublin derby against Bohemians will work out is a tough task.

This season Rovers have lost both games against Bohs, who have a much smaller budget. Their two most recent wins were 3-0 hammerings of Cork and St Pat’s but in the other eight games in their last ten, four of which were against bottom-half teams, they have scored only four times.

Their away record is dire, so Bohemians should not be afraid. But if Rovers play anything like they did against St Pat’s, they ought to win. It looks a game for punters to avoid.

One of the truly inexplicable results this season came in week one when Dundalk drew 0-0 with Bray at home. Since then, Dundalk’s goal difference is plus 32, while Bray's is minus 36. The Lilywhites will probably win by at least two goals, especially as Bray are finding it hard to create chances against the top teams.

Dundalk, the favourites to win the league, are in full swing. They have dominated Bohemians and beat Waterford 2-0 in the last week, while Bray were well beaten by Cork and Derry. It could feasibly be five or six on this occasion.

Goal expectancy is much lower at the Showgrounds, where the home fans are awaiting some cheer. Sligo have scored six goals at home, while Limerick have been goal-shy this season and are without Danny Morrissey. This could prove pretty dour, with lots of bodies in the midfield area.

St Patrick’s Athletic host champions Cork City, who are still not playing to their potential but whose record is excellent. Pat’s are no pushovers this season, though.

Waterford have been wobbling and their title challenge is probably dead. Derry look overpriced to win at the RSC, especially given the Blues’ confidence at the back seems shaky. They have gifted the opposition goals this month and Derry, who have lost Ronan Curtis to Portsmouth, may capitalise.

Galway United host Drogheda United in the big game in Division One. Galway will relish returning to Terryland Park, where they are unbeaten, and can secure a victory.

Recommendations
Dundalk -2 on Asian handicap
4pts 3-5 bet365
Under 2.5 goals in Sligo v Limerick
2pts 4-6 general
Derry
2pts 5-2 bet365, Betfred, BoyleSports
Galway draw no bet
4pts 4-7 Coral

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