SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREVIEWS
BRAY WDRS v ST PATRICK’S ATH (Carlisle Grounds, 7.45)
Team News: No changes expected for Bray after a positive start; home debuts tonight for the likes of Aaron Dillon, Dan McKenna and Ronan Coughlan. Killian Brennan and Thomas Byrne are still out for the Saints.
Talking Point: Twice in the last three seasons, Pat’s have come back from an opening defeat to win their second game but they haven’t won in Bray since 2014. The Saints had their moments in attack last week but need a meaner defence for games like this.
Odds: Bray 13/5, St Pat’s 21/20, draw 23/10 Verdict: Draw
CORK CITY v WATERFORD (Turner’s Cross, 7.45)
Team News: At least one change for Cork as Graham Cummins is suspended. Garry Buckley, Johnny Dunleavy and Josh O’Hanlon all out through injury. Waterford have lost Patrick McClean to Sligo but could add Dylan Barnett for this game. Talking Point: No first-night nerves for Waterford on their return to the top flight and Bastien Hery looks like a real find. Ismahil Akinade has troubled Cork in the past but home form can count for City. Odds: Cork 4/9, Waterford 6/1, draw 10/3 Verdict: Home win
SHAMROCK ROVERS v DUNDALK (Tallaght Stadium, 8pm)
Team News: Trevor Clarke is suspended for Rovers and Ronan Finn is an injury doubt. Hoops hope to have international clearance in time to field Sean Kavanagh. Dundalk also hope to have paperwork in place to call on Marco Tagbajumi. Stephen O’Donnell, John Mountney and Sean Hoare are out. but Brian Gartland and Karolis Chvedukas are fit again.
Talking Point: Dundalk’s inability to break down Bray is one as is Rovers’ defensive collapse away to Bohs but referee’s role will be key here.
Odds: Rovers 14/5, Dundalk 1/1, draw 23/10 Verdict: Draw
SLIGO ROVERS v DERRY CITY (Showgrounds, 7.45)
Team News: Regan Donelon and Raff Cretaro out for Rovers but new signings Patrick McClean, Calum Waters and Mitchell Beeney could all join the squad. New faces for City too with defenders Jack Doyle and Niall Logue drafted in. Talking Point: Second successive away game for Derry as the new Brandywell is still being readied, tough one here with ex-Derry man McClean adding steel to the Sligo defence.
Odds: Sligo 2/1, Derry 7/5, draw 9/4 Verdict: Home win