Dundalk didn't went to Premier League only by miracle. In 2006 season they've beaten Waterford in Play-off, but were unlucky not to get licence for Premier League. In 2007 season Harps were totally unbeatable in Play-off, but they were unlucky that Cobh took the title as if Harps were champions i think Dudalk would eliminate Cobh in Play-offs. This season it's third try for them, team that in last 20 years got three Premier League titles, coming up few times as runner up. Luck again wasn't with them as rules changed and Premier League is reducing number of teams and for one place there are few candidates. Newly formed Sporting Fingal made of Bray Wanderers players, then relegated Longford and Waterford who kept most of their PL team. There are also Shels, another big name who is in First Division and wants to get promotion. Many rivals and Dundalk just has to keep winning ways. Their opening game didn't started well as in their goalless draw vs Shels they ended match with only nine players. Still, they were better team. Good form continued as they've beaten Monaghan 3:0 in next round, and in last round in derby match vs Longford they took 2:1 win in match which could go on both sides. In mid week they've beaten Monaghan again, with same result - 3:0. In that match they've rested half of the first team. For this match they will also welcome back defender Flanagan and striker Farrell from bans. However, nother defender, Grimes, is suspended.

Wexford are newly formed club. They were established in 2007 after Dublin City went bust. First Division needed two clubs to feel the gap and Limerick 37 took one place, Limerick FC refused a licence and Wexford come in. They started good, but ended rally bad, only five points above poor Kilkenny who got relegated. Wexford lost more then 50% of their games in first season, and this season will be really hard for them, they are probably the weakest team in league, with only Athlone and Kildare as possible rivals at the bottom. Season didn't started good as they've picked a point in three rounds. Losing vs Waterford and Limerick, drawing in last round versus Kildare. In mid week they made a surprise eliminating Cobh in Cup tie, playing full 120 mins which didn't do good to their fitness. They are almost an amateur team, not used to play in twice a week tempo and it could feel on their game already today. There are no injury news from their squad, but they will miss suspended Wadding for sure.

Conclusion: Dudnalk is two levels above Wexford at the moment. This is game they should win if they want to be promotion material. Home advantage and freshness should be on their side too. Wexford in four games so far never scored against them, and this season gap become even bigger. I see comfortable win for home side and expect handicap to rise to -1,5.

Predicted score: 3:0

Pick : Dundalk (-1,25)
Odds : 1.81
Stake : 8 / 10
Bookmaker : Pinnacle
Date : 2008-03-27
Match Result : 2-1
Tipster Personal Link/Sponsor: http://scythe.blogabet.com/

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