The League of Ireland Premier Division returns following its international break while there is another full round of games taking place in the First Division this weekend. LOI TV Commentator & host of Between the Stripes LOI podcast Kieran Burke examines the latest round of matches in the hope of adding to his level stakes profit of +4.63 so far this season.
DUNDALK FC v WEXFORD FC – Fri, 7.45, LOI TV
Dundalk FC continued their unbeaten start to the season with a hard fought come-from-behind victory at home to a dogged Longford Town team last Friday. The Lilywhites once again dominated possession, as they have in the majority of their games this season, but a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal hampered Ciaran Kilduff’s side who have only won by more than a single goal margin in one of their five league wins to date.
Wexford FC have endured an up and down start to their season which maybe shouldn’t come as a massive surprise given the fairly young age profile of Stephen Elliott’s side. There were five teenagers in the Wexford starting XI during last week’s home defeat to Kerry but an overall record of three wins from five makes for pleasant enough reading.
Strangely, both of Wexford’s defeats have come at home with the Ferrycarrig Park based outfit holding a 2/2 record on the road. However, their win in Limerick against Treaty United was an extremely fortunate one and they are probably going to need more than a slice of luck if they are to come away from Oriel Park unscathed.
The manner of Wexford’s defending last week leaves a lot to be desired and Dundalk will sure to be studying the Kerry match footage in an attempt to replicate such situations. Defensively Dundalk limited Longford to just one shot last week which they happened to score from.
Dundalk were without a number of key players last week due to international call ups and injury but they should be close to full strength for the visit of Wexford. Meanwhile, the visitors could really do with a swift return for star striker Aaron Dobbs who has sat out the last three league matches.
Even when they are minus personnel being able to call on the experience of players such as Daryl Horgan, Aodh Dervin and Dean Ebbe should mean the Lilywhites will have too much for most opponents at this level.
Generally, I try to steer clear of odds on shots but there actually looks to be a bit of value about Dundalk here at 1/2.
BEST BET: Dundalk (1/2) +2pts
CORK CITY v DROGHEDA UNITED – Fri, 7.45, Virgin Media 2
The TV cameras head to Turners Cross for the meeting of two surprise packages in the early part of the 2025 campaign. Both Cork City and Drogheda United were among most peoples leading candidates to be relegated this season but going into the final set of matches in the month of March it is the Drogs who sit top of the table while Cork City have like Drogheda suffered just one defeat this term.
The Rebels have scored in every game to date but are yet to keep a clean sheet while Drogheda United only lost their unbeaten record a fortnight ago when Ed McGinty saved a stoppage time Shane Farrell penalty in a 2-1 home loss to Shamrock Rovers.
Kevin Doherty’s troops have recorded three clean sheets in six matches and it is that defensive solidity that could see them pick up further points this Friday. Cork City have done well to claim draws against Sligo Rovers and champions Shelbourne despite the absence of key men Greg Bolger and Seani Maguire.
However, Drogheda have also been down key personnel in Douglas James Taylor, Joshua Thomas and Elicha Ahui. Cork City remain unbeaten at home while the Drogs are unbeaten on the road. In truth, nobody expects United to stay where they are in the standings but there wouldn’t have been too many predicting an FAI Cup triumph for the Louth men last season either.
I personally can’t understand how they can be priced up as the outsiders here. Given City have drawn half of their league games and the fact that Drogheda are likely to set up to counter attack this could prove to be a very tight contest.
BEST BET: Drogheda United double chance (draw or win) (1/2) +2pts (NAP)
SHAMROCK ROVERS v DERRY CITY – Fri, 8.00, LOI TV
Shamrock Rovers really found their feet before the international break with big momentum churning wins against St.Patrick’s Athletic and league leaders Drogheda United. While Derry City also tasted success before the intermission with victory in Sligo the Candystripes are yet to truly convince under new boss Tiernan Lynch.
City splashed the cash in the off-season by bringing in a number of high profile names from the UK and there is an argument to be made Lynch may still not know his best XI. Having only recently wrapped up a historic European campaign Shamrock Rovers look a much more settled and certain side than the Foylesiders do at present.
Derry City struggled away from home last season and have tasted success just once across their last 13 visits to Tallaght Stadium. Of all the marquee names attracted to the Brandywell during the winter very few appear to have stood out as of yet whereas Graham Burke has been lighting up the league with his performance for Rovers this year. Matt Healy has also caught the eye following his move from Belgium while Danny Grant has finally started to show some of his old form.
The lack of a reliable goal scorer is the concern when it comes to Rovers. Michael Noonan is a clear talent but is still only 16 while Aaron Greene’s best days are likely behind him. If Rovers could get Rory Gaffney fully fit he could be like a new signing but that’s a big ask after so long off the pitch. However, with so many in form players at present I fancy the Hoops to have too much for this struggling Derry side.
BEST BET: Shamrock Rovers (6/5) +1pt
– A €20 treble on Kieran’s three selections could return just shy of €100!