The Premier League is the most-common comparison made to the League of Ireland which is often counter-productive for those of us on this side of the Irish Sea. But in this instance, I think it works well.
For the longest time, outside of maybe the top two, that league was entirely predictable. Even down to the point that people didn’t believe Arsenal were going to see out a massive lead atop the table.
In Ireland, we have no such issues because we’d relegated teams six weeks into the season only for them to win four of their last five, while the teams who looked the best could well be a in relegation playoff come season’s end. I’d actually encourage you to go and buy a half-season ticket to your local League of Ireland club (semi-local if you have to take a ferry).
Cork City v Dundalk – Under 2.5 Goals
Dundalk have played against ten men in six of their last eleven games. Even some of their positive results have come in strange circumstances – beating Sligo just as they were in freefall, and getting a point against Bohs, but being two-nil up until the very late stages sours things somewhat.
They’ve maybe been at their peak when they’ve been reckless but it’s not sustainable long-term and Stephen O’Donnell knows that – so a more cautious, steady approach with the ball is what we’ll demand. Cork are no longer giving the ball away in their own half since they parted company with Colin Healy, so don’t expect early goals here. I fancy Under 2.5 Goals.
Derry City v Bohemians – Bohs and the Draw
I have no idea how more people aren’t speaking about the crisis going on at Derry City right now. If not for Shamrock Rovers’ suspension issues, then the gap would be considerably wider. Derry haven’t won any of their last three games, and their home form remains a concern.
That gets even more focused-upon now with Patrick McEleney looking set to miss time, with goalscoring hopeful Colm Whelan out for the entire season. There’s an awful cloud hanging over the Brandywell, and I’d be picking Bohs to win this if not for the return of Mark Connolly. Take the Bohemians Wins/Draw Double Chance for a bit of coverage instead.
Jon Daly is now a brand of football in the streets of Inchicore – a movement that, while initially unwanted, has now taken the south Dublin region by storm due to their marked improvement since his arrival.
Drogs are currently planning for life after on-loan Lincoln City duo Freddie Draper and Elicha Ahui, and could well do with picking up points lively with Cork City peering over their shoulders, but it won’t be starting here – at a venue where the home side have also really struggled to let their new approach to the sport they play flourish. Back the Away Win.
Shelbourne v Sligo Rovers – Sligo to Win
It won’t be often I back against Shels at these prices, but If Sligo lose here, I can see John Russell’s future being in jeopardy and his players really don’t want that. At times, they’ve played the best football in the country, but they need to play against sides who don’t pose much in the way of attacking threat to catch them out when they over-exert.
Shels do play on the break, but generally not in numbers and Sligo’s ability to break that rigid backlines is actually their strength. Given Shels’ approach, I think Sligo have the perfect matchup to save their gaffer. I’ll back Shelbourne to Win.
Football Tips: Your 21/1 acca for Friday’s League of Ireland action
Our tipster Andrew Cunneen guides you through another bonkers installment of the LoI.
By Andrew Cunneen / Football Tips / 4 months ago
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Football Tips
Cork City v Dundalk – Under 2.5 Goals
Derry City v Bohemians – Bohs and the Draw
Drogheda v St Patrick’s – Pat’s to Win
Shelbourne v Sligo Rovers – Sligo to Win
An accumulator with these selections pays at approximately 21/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP.
The Premier League is the most-common comparison made to the League of Ireland which is often counter-productive for those of us on this side of the Irish Sea. But in this instance, I think it works well.
For the longest time, outside of maybe the top two, that league was entirely predictable. Even down to the point that people didn’t believe Arsenal were going to see out a massive lead atop the table.
In Ireland, we have no such issues because we’d relegated teams six weeks into the season only for them to win four of their last five, while the teams who looked the best could well be a in relegation playoff come season’s end. I’d actually encourage you to go and buy a half-season ticket to your local League of Ireland club (semi-local if you have to take a ferry).
Cork City v Dundalk – Under 2.5 Goals
Dundalk have played against ten men in six of their last eleven games. Even some of their positive results have come in strange circumstances – beating Sligo just as they were in freefall, and getting a point against Bohs, but being two-nil up until the very late stages sours things somewhat.
They’ve maybe been at their peak when they’ve been reckless but it’s not sustainable long-term and Stephen O’Donnell knows that – so a more cautious, steady approach with the ball is what we’ll demand. Cork are no longer giving the ball away in their own half since they parted company with Colin Healy, so don’t expect early goals here. I fancy Under 2.5 Goals.
Derry City v Bohemians – Bohs and the Draw
I have no idea how more people aren’t speaking about the crisis going on at Derry City right now. If not for Shamrock Rovers’ suspension issues, then the gap would be considerably wider. Derry haven’t won any of their last three games, and their home form remains a concern.
That gets even more focused-upon now with Patrick McEleney looking set to miss time, with goalscoring hopeful Colm Whelan out for the entire season. There’s an awful cloud hanging over the Brandywell, and I’d be picking Bohs to win this if not for the return of Mark Connolly. Take the Bohemians Wins/Draw Double Chance for a bit of coverage instead.
Drogheda v St. Pat’s – Pat’s to Win
Jon Daly is now a brand of football in the streets of Inchicore – a movement that, while initially unwanted, has now taken the south Dublin region by storm due to their marked improvement since his arrival.
Drogs are currently planning for life after on-loan Lincoln City duo Freddie Draper and Elicha Ahui, and could well do with picking up points lively with Cork City peering over their shoulders, but it won’t be starting here – at a venue where the home side have also really struggled to let their new approach to the sport they play flourish. Back the Away Win.
Shelbourne v Sligo Rovers – Sligo to Win
It won’t be often I back against Shels at these prices, but If Sligo lose here, I can see John Russell’s future being in jeopardy and his players really don’t want that. At times, they’ve played the best football in the country, but they need to play against sides who don’t pose much in the way of attacking threat to catch them out when they over-exert.
Shels do play on the break, but generally not in numbers and Sligo’s ability to break that rigid backlines is actually their strength. Given Shels’ approach, I think Sligo have the perfect matchup to save their gaffer. I’ll back Shelbourne to Win.
Football Accumulator Tips
Cork City v Dundalk – Under 2.5 Goals
Derry City v Bohemians – Bohs and the Draw
Drogheda v St Patrick’s – Pat’s to Win
Shelbourne v Sligo Rovers – Sligo to Win
An accumulator with these selections pays at approximately 21/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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