Ten Talking Points for the Weekend

Can Bohs push the Big Boys?

I have no doubt that Bohs can compete with anyone in the league on their day. The Gypsies probably won't be able to challenge for the title this season but there is definitely enough quality in this team to mount a decent cup run. This is the acid test though of just how good they are. It doesn't get much bigger than the champions in front of the cameras. One advantage of having a young team is that they should play without fear and Aaron Callaghan's men did hold Sligo to a draw in the reverse fixture last year. 

 

Will the Champions stay perfect?

As for the champions, well you can't improve on perfection. Five points clear, 100% record and 9 goals scored from four league games. The Bit O'Red have started the season in flying form epitomized by their new signing Anthony Elding who has scored 5 in his first 4 league games. A word of caution though, they haven't won in the league at Dalymount since June 2006.

 

Can Bray open a gap?

I wouldn't go so far as to call this game a relegation six pointer because the season is just in its infancy. What's clear though is that whoever looses this will face an uphill struggle for survival this year. Both sides were tipped to battle it out at the bottom end of the table and a defeat for either would be a psychological blow. Bray had the worst home defensive record in the league last season and I would expect goals a plenty at the Carlisle Grounds, there was 13 of them in the three matches between the two sides last season!

 

Have UCD learned their lessons?

UCD finished six points above Pat Devlin's men last year but they have started this campaign poorly having failed to register a single point or keep a clean sheet so far. Martin Russell's men will no doubt improve. I think any side that lost the attacking talents of Paul O'Conor, Graham Rusk, Chris Lyons and Danny Ledwith would struggle to get momentum. U.C.D are familiar with having to build teams from scratch and they will definitely improve as the season unfolds. No better time to start than now.  

 

Are Derry close to full fitness?

Something very strange is happening at Derry City. For the first time in a long time manager Declan Devine actually has a selection headache. Here is hoping team physio Colum O’Neill can actually take a break also!  The Candystripes are boosted by the return of the McEleney brothers while Dermot McCaffrey, Barry McNamee and Paddy Kavanagh are all back in training. Derry only picked up 19 points from the 45 available at home last season and if they are to push for Europe this must improve. keeping their  players fit will massively help their chances. 

 

Can Shels start scoring?

Shels got their first points of the season thanks to last Sunday's battling draw at home to Shamrock Rovers. Young goalkeeper Niall Burdon got most of the praise last week for a fine performance but it's up front where Shels need to be hitting top form. Alan Mathews side have only scored one goal in their last four competitive games (granted they have had to deal with red cards also).


 

Home sweet home for Rovers?

It seems almost insane to call this game a must win one for the Hoops but they really can't let a 6 point gap to Sligo Rovers get any bigger. Rovers are yet to concede in the league so far but Trevor Croly's side also haven't scored in any of their last three away fixtures. The last time Rovers were in Tallaght they absolutely demolished Pats and their fans will be hoping that home comforts prevail once again. 

Can Cork end their Voodoo?

If Cork are to win in Tallaght then they have to break an abysmal run of form against the Hoops. In the last ten games between the sides in all competitions (eight league, one FAI Cup and one friendly), Cork have only won once. The Rebels were uncharacteristically awful against Derry last time out and Tommy Dunne will be expecting a much improved performance from his men. 

 

Can Limerick play a dull game?

God it's good to have Limerick back in the top flight! Last year's First Division champions have already scored six , let in five and had three men sent off. Back with a bang indeed! Sligo boss Ian Baraclough has tipped the Super Blues for a European push following their narrow 2-1 win over Stuart Taylor's side. No better test than the Saints at Thomond Park.

 

Will Pats actually play this week?

They say that a week is a long time in football...then 15 days must seem an eternity! It's been over two weeks since The Saints last kicked a ball in anger and there is no doubt that the players will be angry with themselves following their 3-0 capitulation to Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght last time out.