One of the most unpredictable League of Ireland seasons in recent memory continues to throw up surprises and gripping storylines as the finish line begins to loom large for those still in the hunt for the title, European places and the race to avoid the drop.
Derry City’s hugely contentious late penalty against Shamrock Rovers dominated much of the headlines all week with the Hoops since bouncing back from that injustice with a big three points in the Dublin derby against Bohemians on Monday night.
Had that late penalty not gone against Rovers in Derry, the champions would be within two points of faltering league leaders Shelbourne. Despite having played a game more, a four point deficit looks more than bridgeable which means there’s a three way title race well underway.
Shelbourne, who have won just one of their last ten matches across 90 minutes in all competitions, hosts a Sligo Rovers side who have won two of their last three games while the Bit O’Red have also won their last two meetings with Shels.
John Russell’s team weren’t at their best against Dundalk last time out but managed to come from behind in a 2-1 victory while Shelbourne’s recent bluntness in front of goal continued as they were beaten 1-0 in Galway. Damien Duff’s men have failed to score in their last two matches and have netted just three times in their past five. At 4/1, Sligo Rovers make some appeal.
Should Shelbourne slip up, Derry City will be desperate to capatilise in Drogheda but recent meetings show that is not sure thing. The Candystripes have been held on their last two visits to Weavers Park and for me, didn’t play well in the big game against Rovers last Friday.
Derry City have often failed to pounce on rival slip ups and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they find this latest clash with a resurgent Drogheda sticky. The Drogs arrive into this off the back of a huge win in Dalymount Park against Bohemians and a respectable scoreless draw with European chasing Galway.
Kevin Doherty’s team have suffered just one defeat in their last 10 so Derry are worth opposing at a short odds on price.
A positive result for Drogheda could spell an end to Dundalk’s on-field survival hopes with concerns about the clubs future overall very much still high. The visit of stuttering Bohemians to Oriel Park on Friday really does appeal as a last chance saloon situation for the troubled Lilywhites.
Bohs offered very little during Monday’s Dublin derby loss to Rovers, a defeat which extends the Gypsies poor run of form to just two wins in their last 15 league matches. Given this is Dundalk’s first home game since the club escaped the falling guillotine of liquidation, expect a raucous and emotional Oriel Park crowd who may prove to be the difference on the night as the 12th man. I can’t be having Bohs at 11/10.
Finally, it took a while for Stephen Kenny to get motoring at St.Patrick’s Athletic but following a magical European run and a huge upturn in league form and performances, many are already talking about a Saints title challenge under the ex-Ireland boss for next season.
This season’s title is very much still within Rovers grasp after an unbeaten run of four matches containing three wins but this will be a huge task for Stephen Bradley’s men.
The Hoops may take encouragement from the fact Pat’s haven’t won against Rovers in Tallaght since 2015 but they’ve seen a lot of the South Dublin arena this year given their European exploits.
Rovers have a huge game in Europe coming up next week and their league run in looks tough, could Pat’s be the team to kill the drive for five? At 7/2, they have as good a chance as any.