The League of Ireland takes centre stage tonight as Ireland’s only team remaining in Europe lies on the brink of elimination.
St Patricks Athletic suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hand of Hannover 96 last night to leave their European dreams in tatters.
Die Roten, a squad who finished 7th in the Bundesliga last year and reached the Europa League quarter finals, showed their quality in the opening minutes when Leon Andreasen’s strike from 25 yards gave Brendan Clarke no chance and put the visitors the ahead.
Hannover took a 1-0 lead into half-time but it was the Saints who looked more likely to score early in the second half as they took the game to the away team. Christy Fagan spurned two great opportunities to pull a goal back.
Hannover extended their lead against the run of play when a mistimed tackle from Greg Bolger conceded a free kick which Christian Pander duly converted on 67 minutes.
Didier Konan Ya got the third for the visitors to leave the Saints with a mountain to climb if they are to reach the Europa League playoffs.
Pats deserved a goal for their efforts but scant reward. This classy Hannover 96 outfit never reached their full potential as they are still in pre season but if they decide to take it up a notch next week then the Saints will struggle further.
Bohemian FC –v- Bray Wanderers 7:45
Fifth placed Bohemians take on Bray Wanderers fresh from a two week break in a must win game for Bray at Dalymount Park.
Two goals from Evan McMillan were enough to give Bohemians a 2-1 win over relegation battling Dundalk last time ot. Those three points lifted Bohs to fifth and keeps up their chances of challenging for a European place. Bohs have lacked consistency this season, but two wins from two and another three points here could start a good run of form.
Bray Wanderers haven’t played since the 0-0 draw at home to Shamrock Rovers. With a two break to regroup, Keith Long and his team will be focused on moving themselves further up the table and avoiding getting drawn into a relegation battle with Dundalk and UCD. Three points against Bohs should be the aim, one point the minimum requirement.
Prediction: Home win
Dundalk –v- Cork City 7:45
After a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bohemians, Dundalk’s mini run of form ended last week. A home tie against mid table Cork City could be a potentially tricky tie.
A solitary goal from Michael Rafter was not enough to give Dundalk a positive result against Bohemians. Still languishing second from bottom on 14 points and in dire financial trouble Dundalk have had a hard time this season. Despite last week’s setback the players have rallied and gained some favourable results in recent times, and are capable of getting another one here.
A 0-0 draw last week against Shelbourne kept Cork City languishing mid-table in eight place. However if Cork experience a bad run of form it could see them drop closer to the relegation zone, so a win against a potential relegation rival is a must here.
Prediction: Away win
UCD –v- Shamrock Rovers 7:45
After a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Drogheda United, UCD are all but confirmed to spend life in the first division next season. This week they take on Shamrock Rovers fresh from a confidence boosting away win at Derry City
Though it’s not mathematically certain, with only two wins all season the likely outcome sees UCD being relegated to the first division. 11 defeats in 18 games would suggest that UCD are in for a rough second half of the season. If they can take advantage of the shaky form that Shamrock Rovers have had as of late and come away with a win then it may start a resurgence.
Thanks to a goal from Ronan Finn, Shamrock Rovers got their first league win against Derry City since June 21st. Another win here could possibly give them a new lease of life and allow them to push themselves further up the table.
Prediction: Away win
Sligo Rovers –v- Drogheda United 7:45
The big game in the Airtricity League is the top of the table clash between league leaders Sligo Rovers and second placed Drogheda United at the Showgrounds.
After the cancellation of last week’s game against St Patrick’s Athletic, Sligo Rovers have had over a week to prepare for their biggest game of the season. Win and they go four points clear with a game in hand, lose and they slip from first place for the first time this season. Sligo suffered a big blow last week with the news that star player Danny North is out for the remainder of the season. Time will tell if they can cope without him but it’s a big blow.
A solitary goal from Declan O’Brien was enough to give Drogheda United all three points against UCD last week. Knowing a win this week will lift them to the top of the table, Mick Cooke will have his side extremely motivated. Drogheda are the in-form side in the league at the moment, six wins in a row leading up to this game, if they make it seven, then they’re in pole position to win the league.
Prediction: Draw