Ten Talking Points for the Weekend

Paul Moore looks at the ten talking points for the weekend in the League of Ireland.

1) Big thanks to all the ground staff!

Ok, we all know that the standard of the pitches hasn't been fantastic over the last week but the fact we even have some football to watch and enjoy over the weekend is a testimony to the hard work of the League of Ireland ground staff around the country. While we were all nice and warm indoors the groundstaff around the country were out in the wind and rain working away on your local pitch. Fair play lads we all appreciate it!

 

2) U.C.D

Can UCD register their first point of the season?

The Students haven't kept a clean sheet so far this campaign and that's even including their preseason matches. Martin Russell's team have already shipped 15 goals in their first 5 competitive fixtures so far. They host a Dundalk side that will be looking to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Champions Sligo.

 

3) Pats

Can the Saints respond from last week's drubbing?

Expect to see Liam Buckley's men coming out firing on all cylinders and with a point to prove in following last week's poor defensive performance in Tallaght. The Saints had their game versus Shelbourne called off midweek and will be eager to make amends for last Friday's defeat. 

 

4) Bohemians

How good is the Bohs squad?

Much like the start of last year the fixture list hasn't been kind to the Gypsies. Monday's 0-0 draw with Shamrock Rovers came straight after a 2-1 defeat away to Cork. I have no doubt that Bohs can match any team in the league but a trip to Inchicore will provide another stern test for this emerging side. Bohs fans don't need reminding that they haven't beaten the Saints in the league since Oct 2010.

 

5) Sligo Rovers

Can Elding and Sligo keep up his fantastic start?

Mark who? Last year's Player of the Year may have moved on to Shamrock Rovers but the new arrival from Grimsby has already endeared himself to the Bit O'Red fans with five goals in four games. With Danny North still a few weeks away from a full recovery, Elding will be relied upon to keep finding the back of the net for the champions.

 

6) Limerick

Can they stand up to their toughest test?

So far so good for Stuart Taylor's men. A resolute opening day point against Cork was followed by what can only be described as an absolutely bat s*!t crazy match against Drogheda midweek! There is no tougher test for the Premier Division new boys than the champions away but Limerick fans can take comfort in the fact that they actually had a better away record last season in the First Division picking up 34 points on the road compared to the 28 they got in front of their own fans. The Showgrounds though is a whole different proposition!

 

7) Cork

Say it quietly....are they an outside shot?

It took Cork seven games to get their first league win last season but the Rebels have made a strong start to this campaign. Tommy Dunne's men are unbeaten so far in the league and have a Setanta Cup semi final to look forward to. If they can build on their decent start then Europe may be a possibility for the Rebel Army. They have some exciting talent with the likes of Daryl Horgan , Daryl Kavanagh and Gearoid Morrissey. Keep an eye on them!

 

8) Derry

Are Derry back to their best?

Despite losing the opening game of the season against Sligo you have to go back to Sep 29th for the Candystripes last league defeat which also came at the hands of the Bit O'Red. Declan Devine's side were ravaged with injuries last year and it's not a coincidence that their form picked up when they started to get their players fit. 


 

9) Shelbourne

Can they keep 11 men on the pitch?

No more to be said. Simple.
 

10) Shamrock Rovers

Will they concede?

Three games in and no goals conceded. The Rovers back five looks much more settled this year than it did last season with Barry Murphy, Pat Sullivan, Conor Powell, Jason McGuinness and Derek Foran emerging as the preferred back five. It seems that Trevor Crolly's defensive coaching is already paying dividends as seen by Monday's resolute performance away to Bohemians with ten men.

Want a chance to win a games console of your choice and Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel? Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel invades the League of Ireland