Defending champions Drogheda will host newly promoted side Harps in tonights match. Drogs have been bad this season, not by their results, but also performances and many expected more from them. Their form is oscilating from match to match, they are already 8 points behind leading Pats, but it seems they finally found their form. Three wins in last four isn't something special, but their last win versus Cork away (2:0) and performance in that match was great, also they had exceptional match in Dublin versus UCD. Only black spot in that run was defeat vs Bohemians on their own pitch. Still, Drogs finally managed to win against someone stronger then Galway, they've connected few wins in a row, including 4:0 sweep against N. Irish Dungannon in Setanta. For this match they will miss long-term injuries Maher, Connor and Bates, along with regular defender Shelley.

Harps, as newcomer, started good, six points in first three rounds, undeserved defeat away against Derry, but since then they are in regular problems. As the team become full time professional, players who weren't used to many trainings and high tempo picked injuries and it resulted in Harps five defeats in a row, without scoring a goal... In contrast, they've conceded 11. For todays match they will again have number of missings. I will start from coach Hegarty who serves 4 games ban. Then there are Parkhouse, Sheilds, Minnock and Beckett who are all out due to injuries. Moreover, Labonte, Mukendi and Breen are extremely doubtful and probably won't play, while Brolly, Ramsay and McGowan will all face late fitness tests, while Williams is illegible due to the loan deal.

Conclusion: Drogs with home advantage, difference in quality and with almost full team will host Harps that will miss 7-11 players, three of which are of extreme importance for the team? What to say but a handicap home win. Harps will also be led by assistant coach McCann whose statement wasn't really bright: "We're not creating enough chances but I think that's what happens when your struggling to get a few points on the board; people maybe wouldn't try things that they possibly would. But it only takes one break of the ball for that all to change, and hopefully that's this week."

Prediction: 3:0

Pick : Drogheda (0:1)
Odds : 2.30
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : SportingBet
Date : 2008-05-02
Match Result : 1-0
Tipster Personal Link/Sponsor: http://scythe.blogabet.com/

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