Fresh from going four from four in his most recent LOI betting column, LOI TV Commentator Kieran Burke is back with another set of selections for this Friday’s domestic matches. The Between the Stripes LOI podcast host also successfully put up a 37/1 6-fold in that same column with his level stakes profit for the season now yielding +10.58 for the season.
GALWAY UNITED v DROGHEDA UNITED – Fri, 7.45, LOI TV
Despite failing to win either of their matches over the Easter weekend it was still a good Bank Holiday period for Drogheda United who remain top of the table following credible draws with Shelbourne and St.Patrick’s Athletic.
Had Shane Farrell not have had his late penalty against Shamrock Rovers saved by Ed McGinty a few weeks ago Drogheda United would still be unbeaten.
Galway United also failed to win either of their Good Friday or Easter Monday matches with the Tribesmen suffering defeat at home to Derry before claiming a point away to champions Shelbourne in a four-goal thriller.
Both of these sides pride themselves on being hard to beat and being well organised so there is likely to be little between them on the night. That certainly proved to be the case in the original meeting in February when the sides played out a 1-1 draw.
In fact, the last two meetings of the clubs have ended in draws with Drogheda United once again looking over-priced at 5/2.
BEST BET: Drogheda United draw no bet (6/4) +1pt
SHAMROCK ROVERS v SHELBOURNE, Fri, 7.45, Virgin Media 2
A mouthwatering Dublin derby takes place in front of the live TV cameras with Shamrock Rovers licking their wounds from Monday’s derby disaster against Bohemians. The Hoops led 2-0 at the break against their old foes Bohemians only to come out on the losing end against the struggling Gypsies.
While Rovers have looked sharp in attack of late Stephen Bradley’s side have now conceded in three consecutive games with six goals being shipped in that time.
Shelbourne have also been off colour in defence compared to their excellent defensive form of last year. The Reds, who only conceded 27 times in 36 league matches last term, have already let 14 by in 11 matches this year.
Despite the leaky rearguard beating Shelbourne still proves to be a tough task with the champions turned over only once and that was against the current league leaders Drogheda.
While Damien Duff’s team will have to soon start turning draws in to wins (they’ve drawn over half of their league matches (6) – 2 more draws than anyone else) a point away to one of their main title rivals this season wouldn’t be a bad result.
The teams played out a 1-1 tie in February while Rovers have prevailed just once across the last five fixtures.
BEST BET: Shelbourne draw no bet (33/10) +1pt