Never let it be said that life doesn’t give you symmetry! Tonight marks the last episode of the Late Late Show for the year- just as well that we have new kings of the Late Late Show now- I am of course talking about Alan Reynolds and his Bohemians team who from the looks of it are looking to keep that phrase in our vocabularies for the duration of the summer based on their last minute heroics on Monday afternoon. And what a Bank Holiday Monday we had- drama, goals, shocks, feuds, fights and a whole lot more besides. The League of Ireland delivered in spades on Monday and long may that continue!
So the question I’m sure you’re asking is after a couple of bad matchdays is did this column deliver on Monday? I’m happy to sat the answer to that one is that with three correct results, it was not a bad day at all for the predictions. Can we maintain that momentum tonight and tomorrow night? Let’s find out!
Shelbourne vs St Patrick’s Athletic
Well now what a match to start our preview on! It’s fair to say the pressure is more on Shels tonight after a diabolical Bank Holiday weekend and they are now without a league win in five games. The loss on Monday was a huge one for Shels and a draw is the minimum required tonight to keep them in the title mix currently. A loss here and the gap could be as much as seven or eight points by the end of the evening. Defensively they seem to have lost some cohesiveness this season which has not been helped by injuries. This could be a defining match tonight for their ambitions.
For Pats, it was a so-so Bank Holiday weekend. I’m sure Stephen Kenny would have liked at least a point more but Derry put a stop to that Monday night. It’s been a tough run of fixtures recently for Pats and they might feel a point particularly with the top two facing off tonight keeps them solidly in the mix. They can also play with a little more freedom as they are nicely in the mix currently whatever happens tonight.
So what’s going to happen here? Shels need a win desperately tonight to stay in the title picture. I think they are capable of doing that but Stephen Kenny also knows how to get results in this league. I’ve a feeling this will be a stalemate much like the last game between the teams.
Prediction Shelbourne 0 St Patrick’s Athletic 0
Waterford FC vs Galway United
Waterford have preformed above and beyond the last 3 games and have just hauled themselves just about back into contention. The win at Shels in front of their new manager John Coleman will have been a big boost for them. They lost 1-0 in Galway earlier in the year and you’d feel that they are probably about one more win away from being properly back in the title race mix- the thought of getting some revenge for their last match-up will add a little extra incentive.
It was not a great weekend for Galway last weekend but their need for a win is probably a little less than Waterfords in terms of keeping up with the leaders. A point would be enough to maintain their solid position. The late Bohemians turnaround would have hurt John Caulfields side but they are a resolute enough side to bounce back from this.
Waterford have been on a fine run of form while Galway have had a tricky time the last 2 games. I think we will see a draw here
Prediction Waterford 2 Galway United 2
Shamrock Rovers vs Drogheda United
Rovers won the first match between the two with some Late McGinty penalty saving heroics. Whereas at the time Rovers were struggling a bit in the league, this time this is a battle of the top 2. Rovers had a comfortable win on Monday night against Sligo and will be looking to take advantage of home advantage this evening. Stephen Bradleys spat with Damien Duff has taken some of the attention away from both teams this week and hopefully that will transfer into a cracking game on the field and in front of the TV cameras.
Kevin Dohertys Drogheda showed great character battling to the bitter end against Cork and got their reward with their last gasp win. They have the lead in the title race so that should take a little of the pressure off ahead of this one. Tempers have flared a bit in the League of Ireland this past week but Drogheda so far are staying away from that stuff and keeping their focus on the big prize at the end of the season. Its a big test of their credentials tonight.
Rovers should be favourites for this one with home advantage and a win over Drogheda already under their belts this season. This Drogheda team is resilient however and I’m predicting my 3rd draw of the night.
Prediction Shamrock Rovers 1 Drogheda United 1
Cork City vs Derry City
Cork will have been bitterly disappointed to have conceded a penalty so late to Drogheda on Monday but they seem to have turned a little bit of a corner lately and I think they might spring the surprise of the night tonight. They have competed well in the last couple of matches against the top two and hopefully will have Sean Maguire back in some capacity this evening. They will be hoping Derry don’t travel well this evening much as they didn’t to Waterford a couple of weeks ago.
Derry recorded a come from behind win last month against tonights opposition and its fair to say they were the big winners of last weekend. Its also fair to say its a long journey down for Tiernan Lynchs men and a shorter week could also play its part.
I’m going with a shock here tonight. Cork inspired by the return of Maguire to make it a long journey home for the Derry supporters.
Prediction Cork City 2 Derry City 1
Sligo Rovers vs Bohemians (Saturday Night)
Sligo won’t have expected much coming across to Tallaght last Monday and they returned with as much. They will expect a lot more tomorrow night at home to a Bohs team who have shown some form but at the same time can prove inconsistent at times.
The defensive failings that hit Sligo early in the season do not seem as bad right now and they are more than capable of getting something from the game.
Bohs, well you have to admire their never say die attitude but they need to capitalise on it now in a game like tonight. Its a tough trip but again one they are more than capable of overcoming
I’ve backed them a few times this season and I’m going to back Bohs again for the win.
Prediction Sligo 0 Bohemians 1
First Division Predictions
Dundalk 2 Bray Wanderers 0
Finn Harps 1 Athlone Town 0
Wexford FC 1 Cobh Ramblers 2
UCD 1 Longford Town 0
Kerry FC 2 Treaty United 1
So on a night when a GOAT of American Football is appearing on the Late Late Show are we witnessing the GOAT of League Title races here? Enjoy the next thrilling installment in the #greatestleagueintheworld