The League of Ireland resumes this week with the league’s final European representative St Patricks Athletic bowing out of Europe after a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hannover 96. The Saints gave a good account of themselves despite losing 5-0 on aggregate and will be now looking to resume their title tilt and push Sligo Rovers all the way. But while the Saints have had a league sabbatical, reigning champions Shamrock Rovers now seem well equipped to challenge the Bit O’Red while Drogheda United lost some distance last time out.
Shamrock Rovers –v- Sligo Rovers 7:45
First versus Third this week as Shamrock Rovers take on title chasing Sligo Rovers in the big game this week at Tallaght Stadium.
After a shaky couple of weeks Shamrock Rovers are starting put together a run of form that could see them really challenge for the league. Goals from Gary Twigg and Gary McCabe were enough to give them all three points against UCD last week. They face a tougher prospect this time around taking on a team that could easily replace them as champions by the end of the season.
Giving that their main goal threat Danny North has been ruled out for the season, it was very surprising and highly encouraging for Ian Baraclough to see other players step up to the mark in what was a must win game last week against Drogheda United. Goals from Mark Quigley, Seamus Conneely, Romauld Boco and Joseph Ndo gave Sligo all three points. Baraclough will be expecting more of the same this week, knowing a win puts them nine points clear of their opponents, and becomes a question of when rather than if Sligo Rovers get their hands on the league trophy.
Bray Wanderers –v- Dundalk 7:45
After draws for both sides last week Bray Wanderers and Dundalk will be looking for all three points in a bottom of the table clash at Carlisle Grounds.
A 0-0 draw away at Bohemians was a good result for Bray Wanderers last week. Currently sitting third from bottom, three points ahead of their opponents this week, Bray will be looking to extend that gap to six and avoid being dragged into a close hard fought relegation battle.
Coming from behind and getting a 1-1 draw thanks to a goal from Gary Shanahan was a good result for Dundalk. Many of their games in recent weeks have ended in draws and caretaker manager Darius Kierans will be looking for his side to turn those draws into victories. It’s a must win game for Dundalk, lose and they will fall six points behind.
Prediction: Draw
Drogheda United –v- Bohemian FC 7:45
After a heavy defeat to Sligo Rovers, Drogheda United will look to bounce back to winning ways as they play host to Bohemians at Hunky Dory’s Park.
Last week was certainly not in the script for Drogheda United. A team on a multiple week winning streak against a side missing their main goal threat going down 4-1 was a huge surprise. Drogheda are still in for a chance at the league but need to bounce back quickly and a home game against Bohemians is the place to do it.
Bohs could only manage a 0-0 draw against Bray Wanderers last week and will be looking to take advantage of the potential drop in confidence of their opponents. Currently sitting fifth and still in with a shout of a European place next season Bohs will need to be firing on all cylinders to get a positive result at Hunky Dory’s Park.
Prediction: Home win
Shelbourne –v- UCD 7:45
After a two week break Shelbourne take on a UCD side desperate for a win at Tolka Park.
Currently in sixth position and with a chance at a European Place Shelbourne will be looking for all three points as they take on bottom placed UCD. Having not played since the 2-1 defeat to Drogheda United on July 20th, Shelbourne have had plenty of time to prepare and manager Alan Matthews and his side will be confident of getting a result that will keep them in touching distance of the front pack.
A 2-0 defeat at the hands of Shamrock Rovers has all but cemented UCD’s relegation this season. While not mathematically certain, their form and run of results would suggest no way out for Martin Russell and his side. A win here might give them a fighting chance but the odds are not looking good.
Prediction: Home win
Cork City –v- St Patrick’s Athletic 7:45
Coming of the back of a 1-1 draw against Dundalk, Cork City will be facing a tough prospect against a St Patricks Athletic side that haven’t played in the league since July 22nd.
A solitary goal from Ian Turner was not enough to give Cork City all three points against Dundalk last week. Currently sitting in a relatively comfortable eight position Cork will be looking to take advantage of the inconsistent form of St Patricks Athletic and come out with at least a draw.
St Patricks Athletic have not played since their 1-1 draw with UCD on July 22nd. The two games scheduled since, against Sligo Rovers and Derry City have been postponed in order to help the Saints compete in Europe. The draw specialists this season, Pat’s will need to turn those draws into wins if they are to have any chance of winning the league.
Prediction: Away win
