Derry City - Sligo Rovers Betting Preview: Visitors to maintain lead at the top with narrow win

13/07/2012 7:20:00 PM

Ian Baraclough's side have shown signs of vulnerability of late and a trip to the Brandywell Stadium will not be easy. But Adam Bate backs the league leaders to edge it

It is a big game in the League of Ireland on Friday as top of the league Sligo Rovers travel to Derry City. Sligo have lost just once all season and go into the weekend four points clear of their nearest rivals in the table.

Such is their dominance that they have the best goal difference in the league, have conceded the fewest goals and are odds-on to claim the title.

Sligo can be backed at 6/5 (2.2) with Paddy Power to win this one.

But Sligo's form has suffered a slight dip of late and that may encourage Derry.

The league leaders have won just one of their last four, showing real signs of vulnerability.

With three wins in their last six in the league, Derry’s form has been reasonable.

Factor in home advantage and Derry might be a tempting bet to win this one at 15/8 (2.88) with Paddy Power.

It is also worth considering the possibility of a share of the points as three of the last four matches between the sides have been drawn.

The draw is available at 11/5 (3.2) with Paddy Power.

But it is the fourth of those recent meetings between the two sides - and also the most recent - that makes it hard to look past Sligo in this one. They ran out 4-0 winners in the league cup less than a month ago.

As a result, while the safety-first option is to go double chance at 3/10 (1.3) the bet of the day is to back the odds-against price for a Rovers victory.

For the value bet, consider the fact that the most common scoreline away from home for the league leaders this season has been a 2-1 win.

That outcome can be backed at a good price of 15/2 (8.5) with Paddy Power.