TONIGHT’S GAMES
BOHEMIANS v LIMERICK Dalymount Park (7.45pm) Team news: Eoin Wearen is punished for his harsh red card against Waterford by missing out through suspension for Limerick, as does Killian Cantwell. Former Drogheda United striker Ryan Masterson is available to Bohs boss Keith Long and full-back Derek Pender is back after serving his ban,
Talking point: Second-from-bottom Limerick can move to within a point of Bohs by winning at Dalymount. On the back of beating Waterford last week, morale amongst the squad will be improved should, as expected, salaries are paid today as scheduled for the first time in three months.
Ref: Derek Tomney.
Odds: Bohs 8/13, Limerick 9/2, Draw 14/5,
Verdict: Away win
DERRY CITY v SLIGO ROVERS Brandywell Stadium (7.45pm) Team news: Defensive problems occupy the mind of Kenny Shiels as he’ll be without Conor McDermott and Darren Cole due to injury and the suspended Eoin Toal. Midfielder Nicky Low is also out. The suspended Seamus Sharkey is unavailable for Sligo, as are injury victims Gary Boylan and Adam Wixted.
Talking point: For a team requiring firepower to retain their top-four spot, there was an element of surprise to Rory Patterson’s departure yesterday. Although his winner against St Pat’s last week was a rare personal highlight this term, his scoring record for the Candystripes was one of the best in the league.
Ref: Tomas Connolly.
Odds: Derry 11/10, Sligo 5/2, Draw 23/10.
Verdict: Home win
ST PATRICK’S ATH v BRAY WDRS Richmond Park (7.45pm) Team news: A melee at the end of last week’s defeat in Derry led to captain Ian Bermingham and Thomas Byrne getting sent off and picking up a suspension for the Saints. Teenager Cian Walsh could earn a start for Bray, having made his debut last week against Cork. Graham Kelly continues to have limited options following a recent exodus.
Talking point: This is a must-win game for the Saints, given last Friday was their seventh defeat in eight matches. The alarming slide of Liam Buckley’s side, now 10 points behind fourth-placed Shamrock Rovers, has left them facing an uphill struggle to avoid European football eluding them for three years on the trot.
Ref: Ray Matthews.
Odds: St Pat’s 1/6, Bray 14/1, Draw 6/1. Verdict: Home win
WATERFORD v CORK CITY Regional Sports Centre (8.0pm) Team news: David Webster will be missing from the heart of Waterford’s defence through suspension while Paul Keegan (calf) and Derek Daly (groin) are doubts. Cork must plan without Colm Horgan, Garry Buckley is doubtful but Gearóid Morrissey and Conor McCarthy could return. Talking point: Waterford were riding high in title contention when they beat Cork in the last meeting at the RSC back in April but three games without a victory have allowed Rovers close to within a point of their third spot. Missing the experience of Webster and Keegan could, however, weaken them but striker Izzy Akinade is due a goal. Ref: Ray Matthews.
Odds: Waterford 3/1, Cork 20/23, Draw 13/5.
Verdict: Draw.