Airtricity Premier Division Betting: Dundalk to prevent Derry from securing victory

Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny

Daniel McDonnell previews this weekend's action in the Airtricity Premier Division, starting with tonight's games that include Dundalk's trip to Derry...

The trip to The Brandywell to take on Derry City for the pick of Friday night's Airtricity League action should hold no fears for Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny.

As a former Candystripes boss, he knows the turf well and is well aware of the strengths of the home side which are managed by his former assistant Declan Devine. Tactically, he should be well prepared, just like his team were for their showdown with Derry at Oriel Park earlier in the season.

Dundalk dominated the early stages of that match before a refereeing decision allowed the opposition back into it. Devine also showed his nous in that game by making a formational switch involving key midfielder Barry McNamee that contributed to a strong second half display to collect the three points, but it was a game which suggested there isn't a huge amount between that sides.

Considering that Dundalk are a better team away from home - although they surprisingly capitulated in Limerick last week to turn a 2-0 lead into a 3-2 defeat - they will fancy their chances of competing in this encounter.

Kenny has moved in the transfer window to add some depth to his wide department and Jordan Keegan could be pitched in here. This could go either way and, in that context, Derry don't make much appeal at 1.865/6. They have a tendency to finish games well so they could drift and become backable, but their current trading price is worth taking on.

Drogheda are priced in similar territory 1.814/5 for their Sunday meeting with Shelbourne and they are also a lay at the odds.

Mick Cooke's men don't want this game to take place between their European ties with Malmo and would like to be postponed, but that ship has more than likely sailed. They performed brilliantly to draw with the Swedes in Thusday night's first leg but it was their third game in six days and it's bound to have an impact on the manager's thinking for the Shels match.

Progression in Europe is worth €250,000 and there would be a money spinning tie with Hibernian as a reward. That carries far more currency than this league encounter with a Shels side fighting for their lives under new boss Johnny McDonnell and it would be a surprise if Cooke didn't rest some legs. Shels can take a result.

Bohemians are also relegation contenders and are looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat when they host Limerick. The latter are slightly inconsistent and come into this game on the high of that remarkable comeback against Dundalk.

Bohs have Dave Mulcahy and Derek Pender available again and new striker Conor Murphy should add to that department. They will have to burst from the blocks to keep the natives onside and Limerick started sluggishly last week. In that context, the 4.3100/30 about Bohs leading at half time is worth a small investment.

Finally this week, don't put the house on Sligo going to Cork and delivering at 1.715/7 but the Leesiders are low on confidence and short a number of senior bodies. Sligo are underpriced most weeks but this time around, they should be capable of delivering on the trading verdict.

Recommended Bets

Best Bet: Lay Derry v Dundalk @ 1.865/6
Lay Drogheda v Shelbourne @ 1.814/5
Back Bohemians Half Time v Limerick 4.3100/30
Back Sligo to beat Cork City @ 1.715/7