League of Ireland Betting Tips: Friday Treble for August 8th Fixtures

While the new season is just getting up and running in the UK and mainland Europe, the League of Ireland campaign is getting ready to turn for home. The summer league continues this week, and we've crafted a Friday night treble for you to enjoy.

Derry City v Cork City, Fri, 7.45, LOI TV

Derry City have something of a "flattrack bully" feel about them this season, unable to deliver when the pressure is on, but capable of hammering some of the leagues lesser lights. Sunday's drab 2-0 defeat away to Shamrock Rovers was another indication that Derry are not ready to genuinely contend for the title, but in the last month or so they've put five past First Division opposition in the FAI Cup and smashed Waterford FC 7-2 in the league.

Cork City claimed just a third win of the season on Friday but it did come against one of the leagues most out of form teams in Galway United. Even with that win, City looked destined for an instant return to the second tier next season.

The Candystripes have won their last eight meetings with Cork City and being at home here they should be comfortable.

VERDICT: Derry City -1 @2.2 (WilliamHill).

Dundalk FC v Athlone Town, Fri, 7.45, LOI TV

It's top against bottom in the League of Ireland First Division on a night where the hosts could take a huge step towards the title. Dundalk, who are six points clear at the top, host whipping boys Athlone at the same time as the two teams directly behind go head-to-head.

Athlone Town's new manager Ian Ryan is yet to win ten games into his tenure with the Midlanders now six-points adrift at the foot of the standings. There has been plenty of upheaval on and off the pitch recently with a new chairman and manager appointed and lots of turnover in playing staff. At this moment in time, it appears as if this season is a write off for Athlone.

Dundalk smashed the second bottom team 4-1 at Oriel Park on Monday and will be confident of doing likeise on Friday night.

VERDICT: Dundalk -1 @1.85 (WilliamHill)

UCD AFC v Wexford FC, Fri, 7.45, LOI TV

Only the leagues top two have picked up more points than UCD over the last 15 matches with the Students bouncing back from a sluggish start. A below par playing surface clearly hampered UCD in the early part of the year, with the Students renowned as a possesion based team. Thankfully, the UCD Bowl pitch is now in splendid condition, yet, despite that, UCD have actually been making hay on the road of late.

Nobody has claimed more away points than UCD over the last five games, but the visit of a laboured Wexford team looks a good opening to improve their home record. Wexford have made the play offs in each of the last two seasons, so that would have been the minimum expectation this term, but they've failed to fire under new manager Stephen Elliott.

The former Sunderland midfielder and Ireland international has turned to youth and while he's clearly developing some nice young players, Wexford are struggling for consistancy as a result. Wexford are five points outside the play-offs and nine points behind UCD.

Over the last five league games, only the divisions bottom club Athlone have gathered fewer points than Wexford. UCD won away to Wexford earlier in the season and will be seeking a second straight H2H win.

VERDICT: UCD @1.95 (William Hill).

COMBINED ODDS: @ 6.94.

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