SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREVIEWS
BOHEMIANS v ST PATRICK’S ATH
(Dalymount Park, 7.45)
Team news: Bohs recall Dinny Corcoran and Rob Manley who both missed their defeat in Derry, but Ryan Swan is out long term. Positive news for the Saints is that Mick Leahy and Thomas Byrne are fit but Killian Brennan is still sidelined.
Talking point: Bohs have been in control of this fixture for the most part over the last two seasons but there’s always the chance of an upset – like the Saints’ 4-0 Dalymount win last season. Pat’s need to be meaner at the back. Ref: Robert Hennessy
Odds: Bohs 13/8, Pat’s 9/5, Draw 21/10 Verdict: Draw
DUNDALK v CORK CITY
(Oriel Park, 8.0) Live eir Sport 2 Team news: John Mountney is now the only absentee for Dundalk as Stephen O’Donnell is fit again. Cork’s Josh O’Hanlon is back in training but is not yet match-fit.
Talking point: Both managers are trying to play down the significance of this game so early in the season but a lot is at stake in what is the most on-edge fixture of the calendar, and Cork have a decent record in Oriel Park. Dundalk are already playing catch-up with dropped points early on, a home win here would make a big statement.
Ref: Paul McLaughlin
Odds: Dundalk 23/20, Cork 12/5, Draw 23/10
Verdict: Home win
LIMERICK v BRAY WANDERERS
(Markets Field, 7.45)
Team news: Dutch-Irish midfielder Barry Maguire’s international clearance has come through and he joins the Limerick squad. Bray could give Conor Kenna his first start of the season, Rhys Gorman is out but Dylan Hayes could feature.
Talking point: Changes in both teams are likely after heavy defeats in their last outings. A combined 14 goals were conceded by the two clubs last time out and work is needed to stop a rot setting in. This is a good opportunity for Limerick to regain their early-season good form.
Ref: Anthony Buttimer
Odds: Limerick 23/20, Bray 23/10, Draw 12/5
Verdict: Home win
SHAMROCK ROVERS v DERRY CITY
(Tallaght Stadium, 8.0)
Team news: Greg Bolger is a doubt for Rovers but Ronan Finn is fit again and Joey O’Brien has been in full training. Derry are missing Chris Turner, Armin Aganovic, Gavin Peers, John Cofie and David Hopkirk.
Talking point: Derry had a clean sweep against Rovers last season and it’s a long time since the Hoops beat Kenny Shiels’ side. Derry looked resilient against Bohs on their last visit to Dublin and can get a point here.
Ref: Tomas Connolly
Rovers 7/10, Derry 9/2, Draw 5/2 Verdict: Draw
SLIGO ROVERS v WATERFORD
(Showgrounds, 7.45)
Team news: Rhys McCabe is suspended for Sligo and Ally Roy is an injury doubt. There are worries for Waterford over Dean O’Halloran and Faysel Kasmi. Talking point: Sligo cancelled a planned day off to hold an inquest into their last game, a 4-1 defeat at home to Cork City, and boss Ger Lyttle is looking for intensity here. They have a chance for a win in what is a third straight home game.
Ref: Neil Doyle
Odds: Sligo 9/4, Waterford 13/10, Draw 21/10
Verdict: Home win
Aidan Fitzmaurice