Friday 18/07/2014, 21:00, Ireland Premier League, Round 20, Cork City vs UCD
Cork City vs UCD Rovers Betting Preview
Cork City can take advantage of the fact that their closest rivals had to play a lot of games over a short period of time. Not only Dundalk failed to consolidate their position at the top of the Irish Premier League but they are also just one match away from suffering an untimely elimination from Europa League. Tonight, the runners-up are expected to win by a comfortable margin against UCD, a team struggling in the relegation area.
Cork City vs UCD Rovers Betting Odds
At Paddy Power
Cork City 1.20, Draw 5.50, UCD 12.00
Cork City vs UCD Rovers Betting Tips
The visitors are tied for the 10th place with Bray Wanderers but they are not yet out of the woods, despite the fact that the other relegation threatened teams are struggling heavily. Since the regular season went on break during the World Cup, Bray played two friendly games and one official match, winning all of them.
It is a formidable performance for a team that has a hard time winning consecutive games and the fact that they managed to keep a clean sheet on two occasions is impressive. To be perfectly fair, UCD picked its opponents wisely in friendly games and competed against teams that usually play in lower divisions.
Tonight they will have a hard time stopping the hosts in their track and in order to limit the proportions of the score, UCD will use a 5-4-1 starting formation. Belhout will probably start on the bench, while Benson will be given a place in the starting formation after his dazzling performance.
By comparison, Cork City will come out firing on all cylinders, with O'Sullivan and Lehane upfront and a very potent midfield. Dennehy and Buckley have scored a combined 15 goals this season and they managed to add their names on the goal scorers list in the last couple of games. Coach Caulfield is fully aware of the importance of this match and won't settle for a narrow margin victory.
Key Facts
- Cork City won eight of the last nine Premier League games and drew just once on the road at Sligo Rovers
- The head to head record is crushing in the favor of the hosts, who won 15 games out of a total of 23.
Cork City vs UCD Betting Prediction
Home pitch advantage is not going to matter too much in this confrontation, as Cork City would have used the same overly aggressive strategy regardless of venue. Bookmakers are underpricing the hosts greatly, which leaves punters with a single option if they are to back them at full stakes. Paddy Power offers odds of 1.80 for Cork City to cover the -1.5 goals spread.
Bet: Cork City -1.5 goals @ 1.80 with Paddy Power
