Posts Tagged ‘ League of Ireland ’
Bray Wanderers –v- Longford Town 7:45
Longford Town travel to the Carlisle Grounds to face Bray Wanderers.
Bray Wanderers enter this game determined to claim all three points. A win here could see them climb out of the relegation zone if results elsewhere go their way. The two week break may have given Bray the time to regroup and ensure that the rest of the season is more successful than the opening three months. Continue reading
Bohemians –v- Bray Wanderers 7:45
Bohemians host Bray Wanderers at Dalymount Park.
Bohemians will look to bounce back from their surprising 5-3 defeat against Galway last week. That result put a big dent in their title ambitions, leaving them 11 points behind. A win here will help make up for some lost ground, but Bohs must feel the title is beyond them at this point. Continue reading
Dundalk –v- Derry City 7:45
Derry City travel to Oriel Park to face league leaders Dundalk.
Goals from Daryl Horgan and John Mountney gave Dundalk a 2-0 away win against Longford Town last week. That result maintains the Louth side’s unbeaten streak and keeps them top of the table. They face a tricky tie here, but Stephen Kenny will feel they have enough to get all three points against his former charges.
A 2-0 home defeat against Galway United did Derry City no favour last week. They now face arguably their toughest match of the season. The Candystripes will need to be at their best if they are to avoid defeat. Lose and they may be drawn into a relegation battle they will wish to avoid.
Prediction: Home win
Galway United FC –v- Bohemians 7:45
Galway United host Bohemians at Deacy Park.
Goals from Padraic Cunningham and Jake Keegan gave Galway an impressive 2-0 away win against Derry City last week. Manager Tommy Dunne would want to see his side use that momentum and gain back to back wins. If Galway could gain all three points, it could see them rise as high as sixth in the league.
Goals from Derek Prendergast and veteran striker Jason Byrne gave Bohemians a 2-1 win over bottom side Limerick last week, a result that lifted them into fourth place. Bohemians are currently enjoying their best season in nearly a decade and will feel that if they keep up this form they will be real contenders for a European place next season.
Prediction: Draw
Shamrock Rovers –v- Longford Town 8:00
Shamrock Rovers face off against Longford Town at Tallaght Stadium.
A 0-0 draw with St Patrick’s Athletic on Monday denied Shamrock Rovers the opportunity to move up to second place. Currently third with 24 points, eight behind Dundalk, Rovers cannot afford to drop any points if they wish to have serious title ambitions this season. A win here would be the perfect start.
The 2-0 defeat at the hands of Dundalk last week would have been an unsurprising result for Longford Town. Despite that defeat, Longford still sit in sixth position. They could cement that position further with a win here. That result will not be an easy task, but with home field advantage it is well within Longford’s capabilities.
Prediction: Home win
Bray Wanderers –v- St Patrick’s Athletic 5:45
Bray Wanderers host St Patrick’s Athletic at the Carlisle Grounds.
Bray Wanderers suffered their ninth defeat this season when they lost 4-2 to Drogheda United last time out. Trevor Croly has now stepped in to take the reins in what the Wicklow side will hope will be an upturn in fortunes. They face a difficult proposition here against a side with title ambitions but will feel they may just have enough to cause an upset.
The 0-0 draw with Shamrock Rovers on Monday was a result that did St Patrick’s Athletic no favours. They are now in fifth position, ten points behind Dundalk. Liam Buckley and his team need a real run of wins if they are to have any chance of getting back into the title race. A win here against an out of form side would be the perfect start.
Prediction: Away win
Limerick –v- Cork City 6:30
Title hopefuls Cork City face Limerick in an all Munster clash on treaty soil.
The 2-1 defeat to Bohemians last week still leaves Limerick in search of their first win of the season. Currently sitting bottom of the table, Limerick need a win and quickly. It would seem unlikely that that win should occur here but Limerick will need to believe it is only a matter of time.
A goal from Karl Sheppard and a hat-trick from Billy Dennehy gave Cork City a 4-1 win over Drogheda United on Monday. It leaves them four points behind Dundalk albeit with an extra game played. Manager John Caulfield will still feel his side have what it takes to push Dundalk all the way and win their first league title since 2005.
Prediction: Away win
Sligo Rovers –v- Drogheda United 7:45
Sligo Rovers face off against Drogheda United at the Showground’s.
After their 3-2 defeat to Cork City last week, Sligo Rovers find themselves sitting just above the relegation zone in eighth place. Owen Heary will feel this game against an equally out of form team is the perfect opportunity to move themselves up the table. Lose and the gap between the relegation zone and the rest of the league becomes much larger.
The momentum from Drogheda United’s 4-2 win against Bray last week was tarnished after their 4-1 defeat against Cork City on Monday. Despite Monday’s defeat Drogheda will feel that they have turned a corner and will enter this game full of optimism and expectancy.
Prediction: Draw
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Bohemians –v- Limerick 7:45
Bohemians host bottom side Limerick at Dalymount Park.
A late Adam Evans equaliser gave Bohemians an important 1-1 draw with Cork City on Monday. That result leaves them fifth but still apart of the chasing pack. The Dublin side will be fully expecting to take all three points here, but will be wary of facing a side who have an impressive track record away from home.
Eleven games into the season and Limerick have still yet to record a win. Their 1-1 draw with Sligo Rovers last week put another point on the board but fans and players alike will see it as two points dropped. They face an uphill task to take anything away from this game against an in form side. But Limerick’s biggest results have always come away from home. Continue reading
Galway United –v- St Patrick’s Athletic 7:45
St Patrick’s Athletic travel to Deacy Park to play Galway United.
Goals from Ryan Connolly, Padraic Cunningham and a hat-trick from Enda Curran gave Galway an emphatic 5-0 away win against Bray Wanderers last week. That win, their second in three games has lifted them up to eighth in the league. They face a much tougher challenge here but remain confident they can get a result.
St Patrick’s Athletic helped themselves to a 3-0 win against Sligo Rovers last week courtesy of a brace from Aaron Greene and goal from Chris Forrester. That result keeps them fifth, eight points off the top. Disrupted momentum has been the story for Pats this season, a run of positive results could lift them back into title contention.
Prediction: Away win
Shamrock Rovers –v- Drogheda United 8:00
Shamrock Rovers host Drogheda United at Tallaght Stadium.
Shamrock Rovers will have been disappointed with the 1-1 draw with Limerick last week. That result prevented them from moving into second place and four points behind Dundalk. The Dublin side will look to get back on track this week and get themselves closer to the top. Given their opponents current form, not many would bet against them.
Drogheda United suffered their sixth defeat of the season in a 3-0 home defeat against Longford Town last time out. Still without a win since March the Louth will be desperate to gain all three points. They face very tough opposition here and will need to find that early season form or they will facing yet another defeat.
Prediction: Home win
Longford Town –v- Derry City 7:30
Longford Town take one Derry City at City Calling Stadium.
A goal from David O’Sullivan and a brace from Mark Salmon gave Longford a 3-0 away win against Drogheda United last week. That result sees them sixth. They could mover further away from the bottom half of table with a win here. Their opponents will no doubt make things difficult but with home field advantage Longford may just have the edge.
Derry will have been disappointed with last week’s result. The 2-1 home defeat against Bohemians has left them seventh in the league. A win here will see them rise to sixth but with one win in their last five, the candystripes will have their work cut out for them.
Prediction: Draw
Sligo Rovers –v- Limerick 7:45
Limerick travel to the Showgrounds to face Sligo Rovers.
The 3-0 defeat to St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday was Sligo Rovers fifth of the season. With only one win to their name all season, Sligo need to turn things around and quickly if they want to avoid a relegation battle this season. A win here could be just what they need to climb the table.
Despite the impressive 1-1 draw with Shamrock Rovers last week, Limerick still find themselves bottom of the table still searching for their first win. They may not have a better opportunity to break their duck than here against a side struggling with form. Limerick have always had better away form, if such a trend continues it may bode well for them.
Prediction: Draw
Cork City –v- Dundalk 7:35
The top two sides in the division face off here as Cork City host Dundalk at Turner’s Cross.
Goals from Garry Buckley and Colin Healy gave Cork City a 2-0 win over Longford Town on Monday. That result keeps them within two points of Dundalk at the top of the table. A win here sees Cork go top, a difficult proposition, but if John Caulfield and his side have any intention of being crowned champions, this is a must win game. Continue reading
Bohemians –v- St Patrick’s Athletic 7:45
A Dublin derby takes place at Dalymount Park as Bohemians play St Patrick’s Athletic.
Goals from Dean Kelly and Adam Evans gave Bohemians a 2-0 win against Longford Town last week. That win lifts them up to second place, three points behind Dundalk. Keith Long will be extremely pleased with how his side’s season has gone so far, expectations have risen and challenging for the league this season, seems like a real possibility. Continue reading
Bohemians –v- Longford Town 7:45
Bohemians host Longford town at Dalymount Park.
A late goal from Mark Griffin was enough to give Bohemians a 1-0 away win against Drogheda United last week. That win keeps them fourth and close to the top of the table. Its early days but the Dublin side will be extremely pleased with their start and hope that they can challenge for their first league title in six years. Continue reading
Sligo Rovers –v- Bray Wanderers 5:45
Sligo Rovers host bottom side Bray Wanderers at the Showgrounds.
Sligo will be increasingly worried with how their season has started. Five games in and still no wins to their name, will have left quite a few worried. They have a perfect opportunity here to land their first three points of the season against a side in worse form than they are. For Owen Heary and his side, it’s an opportunity they can’t miss.
A nightmare start to the season just keeps getting worse as the weeks go by for Bray Wanderers. Five games, five defeats and no goals scored, it will take a huge effort for the Wicklow side to turn this around. Their opponents are in poor form themselves and Bray will hope to take advantage and land their first points of the season. It will be tough though given the week they have endured, with Alan Matthews and his backroom staff resigning en masse due to ongoing turmoil behind the scenes.
Prediction: Home win
Cork City –v- Derry City 7:45
North versus south here as Cork City play Derry City and Turner’s Cross.
A late goal from Kieran Djilali gave Cork City a 1-0 win against Bray Wanderers last week. That win keeps them in touching distance of Dundalk, whose early form could open a gap at the top Cork may struggle to close. John Caulfield will expect another three points from his side here and with home field advantage they may just get it.
A goal from Barry McNamee and a brace from Anthony Elding gave Derry City a 3-0 win over Drogheda United last week. Inconsistent form has left Derry in a mid-table and already eight points behind Dundalk. Peter Hutton and his side have their work cut out for them if they expect to mount a title challenge.
Prediction: Home win
Drogheda United –v- Bohemians 7:45
Bohemians travel to Louth to face Drogheda United at the Hunky Dory’s Stadium.
After a great start to the season with two wins in a row, Drogheda United have dropped eight points in their last three games, the latest of which came in a 3-0 defeat against Derry City. Johnny McDonnell and his side will be determined to get all three points here and put their season back on track.
Like their opponents Bohemians have dropped five points in their last two games. The 3-0 defeat against Dundalk will have been unsurprising, the 0-0 draw with Shamrock Rovers, disappointing. Bohemians will now be as determined as ever to get back to winning ways and climb as high up the table as they can.
Prediction: Away win
Shamrock Rovers –v- Galway United 8:00
Shamrock Rovers host Galway United at Tallaght Stadium.
Shamrock Rovers will be relatively pleased with their start to the season. Three wins and two draws keeps them well in contention for a title challenge, something the Rovers faithful have been crying out for. The Dublin side enter this game highly optimistic of gaining all three points and ensuring that Tallaght Stadium is a fortress for the rest of the season.
Galway will be less than pleased with their start to the season. One win and four defeats is not how they would have imagined life back in the top flight. They now know that they will have to work hard for every point they get and will have to be at their best, if they are to manage to get anything out of this game.
Prediction: Home win
Limerick –v- Dundalk 6:30
Limerick welcome league leaders Dundalk to Jackman Park.
After two successful campaigns in Ireland’s top flight, Limerick have thus far struggled this season. Two points are all they have to show for their opening five games. And given the quality of their opposition it will likely be two points from six games. Limerick are capable of getting results against bigger teams and will have to be at their best to get anything here.
The perfect start is an apt description for Dundalk’s opening five games. Five wins out of five, 11 goals scored and none conceded, the Louth side could not have hoped for a better start to their title defence. Stephen Kenny and his side would like to make it six wins from six and theirs nobody who would want to bet against them.
Prediction: Away win
Longford Town –v- St Patrick’s Athletic 7:30
St Patrick’s Athletic travel to the City Calling Stadium, to take on Longford Town.
Goals from Gary Shaw and Don Cowan gave Longford Town a 2-1 away win against Galway United last week, a win that puts them seventh. Tony Cousins will be extremely pleased with his sides start to the season. His side have not been daunted by promotion and have worked hard to earn what they have, sometime that could translate to survival come the end of the season.
A brace from Aaron Greene gave St Patrick’s Athletic a 2-0 away win over Limerick last week. That win was their second in a row and added a bit on consistency that was lacking in St Pat’s early season form. They enter this game hoping to make it three wins in a row and Liam Buckley and his side will do everything to make it happen.
Prediction: Draw
Dundalk –v- Sligo Rovers 7:35
Champions Dundalk host Sligo Rovers at Oriel Park.
It has been the perfect start to Dundalk’s title defence. Four games, four wins eight goals scored and none conceded, the most recent of which came in a 3-0 win over Bohemians on Tuesday. Stephen Kenny and his side will be fully focused on keeping up their form and the momentum that comes with it.
Unlike their opponents, Sligo Rovers will not be happy to their start of the season at all. Currently without a win, their most recent result coming in the form of a 2-1 defeat against Shamrock Rovers, Sligo will be determined to get three points here. It is an unlikely task against an in form championship winning side, but stranger results have happened.
Prediction: Home win
Derry City –v- Drogheda United 7:45
Derry City face Drogheda United at the Brandywell Stadium.
Derry City are another side who entered this season with high expectations and have thus far failed to meet them. With only one win so far the candystripes will be more determined than ever to turn their season around. They will feel confident that with the home field advantage that they have enough to get all three points.
In contrast to their opponents, Drogheda United will feel very pleased with their start to the season. Two wins and a draw has been a very good start for a side who has struggled in recent seasons. They will enter this feeling confident that will at the very least avoid defeat, but a will could be the catalyst for their strongest season in years.
Prediction: Draw
Galway United –v- Longford Town 7:45
Two sides recently promoted face off here at Deacy Park.
With only one win and three defeats, Galway will be slightly disappointed with their start to the season. Under no illusions that their campaign in the premier division would be extremely tough, Galway would have hoped for a better start. They have a big opportunity here to double their points tally and Tommy Dunne and his side will be determined to take it.
Longford have had a slightly better start then their opponents. A win and a draw will be pleasing to manager Tony Cousins especially given their opening two games were against Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers. With four points in their last two games however, Longford will be determined to gain some more points and momentum which will hopefully lead to a relegation free season.
Prediction: Home win
Shamrock Rovers –v- Bohemian FC 8:00
A Dublin derby here, as Shamrock Rovers host Bohemians at Tallaght Stadium.
Goals from Sean O’Connor and Michael Drennan gave Shamrock Rovers an impressive 2-1 away win over Sligo on Tuesday. That result continues the Tallaght side’s impressive start to the season. Pat Fenlon and his players will know there is a long way to go, but will be optimistic of their chances of a real title challenge this year.
Bohemian’s great start to the season took on a hit on Tuesday thanks to a 3-0 defeat against Dundalk. Keith Long and his players will look to bounce back immediately with a win here. They face a tough task, but these are they games that need to be won if you want to mount a serious title challenge.
Prediction: Home win
Bray Wanderers –v- Cork City 5:45
Cork City travel to the Carlisle Grounds to play Bray Wanderers.
Four games, four defeats, no goals scored and seven conceded. It has been the worst possible start to the season for Bray Wanderers. The Wicklow side need points on the board and fast, but face a tough task against free scoring opponents with a strong defence. Alan Matthews and his side need to produce something special, whether they can or not is something else.
Goals from Karl Sheppard and Alan Bennett gave Cork City a 2-0 away win over Galway on Tuesday. That result keeps them in touching distance of the top two and still well in contention for a title challenge. After a slow start Cork have found the form that aided them so well last season. Can they keep it up? Time will tell.
Prediction: Away win
Limerick –v- St Patrick’s Athletic 6:30
Limerick play host to St Patrick’s Athletic at Thomond Park.
After a truly disastrous start, Limerick have rebounded slightly with tow draws in a week against Longford and Drogheda United. These results have put some precious points on the board. Limerick will look to capitalise on their opponent’s inconsistent form and hopefully land a win that could turn their season around.
It has been an inconsistent start to the season for St Patrick’s Athletic. Two wins and two defeats has thus far prevented any momentum being built and has hindered their title challenge. But a 2-1 against Sligo on Tuesday followed by a win here could be start of them pushing the teams above them. If not their hot and cold form may just continue.
Prediction: Away win
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