It’s a bonus bonanza in the League of Ireland Premier Division this weekend as we have the added bonus of an additional game Monday night in the form of the rearranged fixture from Matchday 2 as Shamrock Rovers will entertain Cork City- more on that fixture later!
To say last week’s predictions went according to plan would be an understatement! 2 correct scores and 3 correct results in the Premier Division will be a tough task to follow. In the first division 1 correct score and 2 correct results means its a tough act to follow. Can the streak of good predictions keep going? Let’s find out!
Cork City vs St Patrick’s Athletic
I’ll say it quietly but I’m a little bit concerned about my hometown team! The loss of Ruairi Keating for the season is a huge one and with Sean Maguire reportedly still out as well the pressure is going to be on the Young Guns to deliver. Tonight is not an easy match for them to start on.
There is a lot of talk online this week about the 0-0 at Richmond Park being a missed opportunity for Pats but I think that is a bit harsh. They are nicely positioned for the next phase of the league as we reach the quarter mark tonight and a win here will keep the momentum going ahead of a big South Dublin Derby next Friday night
I think Pats will win this one comfortable as the younger strikers get used to their new surroundings for Cork
Prediction Cork City 1 St Patrick’s Athletic 3
Shelbourne vs Bohemians
Before that South Dublin Derby we get a North Dublin one tonight. It’s hard to know who will be the more satisfied at this stage of the season. Bohemians have definitely disappointed so far but I don’t think Damien Duff will be happy with his lot either. As champions they will probably feel they should be that little bit further up the table especially as the league was won last season by their early season form.
Bohs will have been relieved by that goal fest last week in Dalymount which ended a few worrying stats based on their start to the season. Tonight probably is a bit of a free hit for them in terms of fan expectations. With Corks forward issues at the moment next week’s game at Dalymount will probably carry more pressure on it. It will be interesting to see how they approach the game tonight!
Shels need a win to keep themselves in that upper pack and they will just about do it under the TV cameras tonight.
Prediction Shelbourne 2 Bohemians 1
Derry City vs Drogheda
Derry have done a far better job than I expected at getting themselves back into that chasing pack with a few good results the past few weeks. They showed good resolve overturning their goal deficit to take the 3 points last week. Another home game in front of the new stand against the league leaders will be one that they will feel can lay an important marker for the rest of the season.
Drogheda as predicted here retook top spot last week with their win against Waterford. This week will be a much more difficult task but have gained some positive results in all their away matches in Dublin so far this season, I don’t think Kevin Dohertys side will be overly fazed by the trip away. A draw here I think
Prediction: Derry City 1 Drogheda United 1
Shamrock Rovers vs Waterford
Rovers scored a vital three points last week in Galway to keep themselves at the tail of that chasing pack and keep themselves in contention. This match is one they will be expecting to win but its a big week for Rovers this week and one where five or six will be the minimum required to stay in the mix.
Waterford on the other hand are under a bit of pressure to arrest the downturn in their form. I think we will see an improved performance from them tonight on that just might see them nicking a point.
Prediction Shamrock Rovers 2 Waterford 2
Sligo Rovers vs Galway United (Saturday)
Funnily enough Sligo with the injury news from elsewhere will probably feel a bit more upbeat about their survival chances now. The defensive failings their head last week again and it will be interesting to see how they handle Galways threats
The last undefeated record fell last Friday night but Galway are still handily placed. Can they bounce straight back? My instinct says a draw may be on the cards here. That will keep Galway there or there abouts in the mix which is fantastic for their fans
Prediction: Sligo Rovers 1 Galway United 1
Shamrock Rovers vs Cork City
Not going to spend a lot of time going through this one as we’ve talked about both teams already but with Keating out Shamrock Rovers will feel that they benefited more from the postponement in February than Cork did and I expect the. To take full advantage!
Prediction Shamrock Rovers 2 Cork City 0
First Division Predictions
Dundalk.2 Cobh Ramblers 3
Kerry FC 1 Athlone Town 0
Wexford 2 Finn Harps 0
Bray Wanderers 1 Treaty United 1
Longford 2 UCD 0 (Saturday)
There you have it! On this beautiful Friday evening enjoy the sun and if you can take in a game at the #greatestleagueintheworld