The international window is done and things are looking up for football in Ireland, two consecutive competitive wins for our senior men’s national team for the first time in six years, a new youngest ever goalscorer for our men’s Under-21 team and our Under-17s are heading to the world cup so all in all a very good week for Irish Soccer! Tonight the League of Ireland Premier Division returns with a full set of games in what so far has been a League full of twists and turns and we are not even a quarter of the way through the season yet.
So last night out we had just the one correct result the Premier Division and one correct score and 2 correct results in the First Division so not the best night in the office overall. This column however has picked itself up, dusted itself off and is ready to go again as we look at tonights games.
Bohemians vs Galway United
I would be the first person to tell you to take any predictions of mine in relation to Bohs with a pinch of salt as invariably whatever I predict tends to be the exact opposite of what occurs! Last time out I predicted they just might pull off a surprise win at Richmond Park so of course they lose 3-0! Looking at the stats behind the game however is interesting. Bohemians had more possession of the ball and created the same amount of chances as Pats. In fact they had more shots on target.
The problem here seems to be that they are not being as clinical as their opponents in front of goal. Colm Whelan has not gotten into that consistent groove yet scoring 3 goals against Waterford but not scoring in any of the other games this season and Lys Mousset is struggling with injury. They need either of these players to start firing in front of goal to improve their fortunes.
There is only one undefeated team left in the Premier Division and that’s Galway. I predicted a win at home to Waterford last time out and that is what they delivered last time out. They will be enjoying their lofty position of 3rd place one point off the league leaders and will head east feeling quietly confident about tonight.
So what do I think is going to happen. I have a slight suspicion for Galway tonight but I also think that Bohemians are playing for their managers future at the moment and their luck will eventually turn. As a result I think we might see a draw here possibly a late equaliser for Bohemians to build on.
Prediction Bohemians 1 Galway United 1
Cork City vs Drogheda United
Drogheda head south in the televised game tonight and it should be an interesting game. Even as a Corkman, Tim Clancys team defied expectations last time out getting a draw at Tolka Park against the champions which is definitely a positive sign. Tim Clancy will also know that their home form is going to be key for how they go this season and will have probably marked this match as a winnable three points before the start of the season.
Drogheda though have been defying all expectations so far and while Kevin Dohertys team lost their unbeaten record last time out at home to Shamrock Rovers they very nearly got something from the game only a penalty save from Rovers Goalkeeper Ed McGinty denying Drogheda a point.
So how will it go tonight? That really depends on how well that Drogheda have picked themselves up from that loss last time out. Normally I would predict Cork to win if there had been no international break but Drogheda have had time to get that loss from their system and I think they will get something from tonights game.
Prediction Cork City 2 Drogheda United 2
Waterford FC vs St Patrick’s Athletic
Having led the league two matchdays ago, two losses will have left Keith Longs side reeling and it does not get much easier tonight hosting second in the table St Pats. Waterford disappointed last time out against Waterford so again they were probably a team who were glad of the international break. Coming off a Pats side buoyant after a 3-0 Dublin Derby win against Bohs last time out will be a tough ask
Pats will come into this game full of confidence and a point behind Drogheda The fact that Shelbourne come to Richmond Park next week will probably put a little added pressure on Stephen Kennys men tonight as they will know that a slip-up here will add extra significance to next week’s game. I don’t think they will slip up here though
Prediction Waterford 0 St Pats 2
Sligo Rovers vs Shelbourne
The revival in Sligo was stymied somewhat last time out in a 1-0 loss to Derry and the arrival of the League Champions tonight won’t exactly have many peoples hopes up of reigniting it tonight. At least though the defence has tightened up significantly over the past 3 games and we know they are capable of scoring goals.
The wheels on the Shelbourne wagon have been a bit rickety recently as its now four games since they recorded a win- not that Damien Duff will need any reminding of that. To face the team at the bottom though will be a welcome fixture for Shels to return to action with and one which you would expect them to take full advantage of.
Prediction Sligo 0 Shelbourne 2
Shamrock Rovers Vs Derry City
Both sides in this one recorded a victory last time out and Stephen Bradley’s sides victory pushes them right back into the mix at the top with their game in hand against Cork to come in 2 weeks time. They had Ed McGinty to thank last time out in securing the win and will look at this tonight to put another dent in Derrys title challenge that has failed to launch so far. They will need to make sure any free kicks are kept out of Michael Duffy range though.
Derry picked up a welcome win last time out in Sligo which will have been a welcome respite for the candystripes after a difficult start to the season. They will see tonights trip to Tallaght as the ideal opportunity to put themselves back in the mix.
What’s going to happen in this one? Rovers are beginning to build again and I don’t think Derry will be able to hurt them tonight. A narrow but relatively comfortable home win!
Prediction Shamrock Rovers 2 Derry City 1
And on now to the First Division games this weekend which have been previewed to perfection up on the site by Lucas-check it out here! It’s well worth the read! For what its worth here are the predictions:
Athlone 2 Finn Harps 1
Bray Wanderers 1 Cobh Ramblers 1
Dundalk 2 Wexford 1
Kerry 0 UCD 0
Longford Town 1 Treaty United 3 (Saturday Night game)
There you have it this week! Hope you enjoy whatever match you’re watching and see some fantastic goals from the #greatestleagueintheworld.