Season 15 Game day 5 "Match of the Day" Previews

2.1 The Degraders vs. Cavan Celtic

League positions:

The Degraders lie 4^th on nine points – that’s three wins and a loss. Cavan Celtic are 3^rd, also on nine points, but with a greater goal difference.

Missing men:

Degraders have a full squad to choose from while Cavan are missing Jonathan James through injury.

Form:

Four games played and identical records – three wins and one loss.

Likely Formation:

Degraders have used both a 4-4-2 (attacking) and a 4-5-1 (Defensive) so far this season – though all times they’ve concentrated on the wings.

Cavan have stated all four games with a 4-4-1-1 lime-up while using a direct play-style. No reasons to suggest a change for this game.

Key Men:

Dragomir Sekularac – he’s strong and fast, maybe not so great in the air, but he is one of the reasons The Degraders have only leaked three goals so far. He’ll have a a tough game though.

Ronan O’Neill. Scored in all four games this season, and with the equally impressive Evan Byrne just behind him, Cavan Celtic have an offensive team that rivals any in the LOI and Division 2.

Prediction:

Cavan’s offensive edge may be decisive,  but the Degrader’s wings are significantly stronger. James’ injury may be an important element in hoe this game plays out. Expect a 3-2 finish, with O’Neill to score but end up on the losing side.

2.2 Crusaders vs. Erin County

League positions:

Crusaders top 2.2 with ten points. Erin County are 7^th with seven points – though 4^th through 7^th are all on seven.

Missing men:

Crusaders are missing both Tony Neilgan and Grant Cochrane due to injuries. Erin have several injury worries – Sotiris Panayiotopoulos, Mick Neville and back-up ‘keeper Tommy Morrison.

Form:

Crusaders are unbeaten so far this season and boast a three game winning streak. Erin lost their last game, but won the two prior to that.

Likely Formation:

Four games with no defeats using a 3-2-3-2 with through balls, so expect the same from Crusaders.

Erin County should, if following their recent pattern, line out using a 4-4-2 (diamond) formation. A 4-4-2 (attacking) is unlikely.

Key Men:

Clinton Whitley has been solid in the Crusaders defence. Expect another titanic performance from the 26 year old.

With Neville injured, there will be a lot of pressure on the youngster Eoin O’Connell. The lad has played well so far this season but has yet to score, something he’ll have to remedy.

Prediction:

With a strong defence and potent attack, expect a Crusader’s victory – probably 2-0.

2.3 Carnew Rovers vs. Sweet Feet FC

League positions:

2^nd and 3^rd. Both have three wins, one draw, ten points six goals for and one goal against. Just checking the dictionary definition of “even match”.

Missing men:

Billy Harvey was injured in Carnew’s game against Athlone Town and is yet to make a full recovery.  

Sweet Feet have both Steve Rimmer and veteran Budi Rumere injured.

Form:

Both have three wins and a draw in the opening four games.

Likely Formation:

Carnew play with a classical 4-4-2 formation, but like to use through balls.

Sweet Feet use a 4-2-3-1 formation, and like playing down the flanks.

Key Men:

Carnew’s young ‘keeper Noah O’Callaghan has been on great form so far this season, letting in just the single goal.  While some of this is down to the defence in front of him, statistics show that he has made just shy of four saves a game.

Voislav Markovski, the Macedonian ‘keeper between the Sweet feet posts, has had just as an impressive start to the campaign as his younger Carnew counterpart.  He hasn’t been beaten since the opening day, and broke AC Dublin heart’s mid-week.

Prediction:

With two anchor’s in front of the defence, Sweet feet should counter much of the Carnew threat. What little threat remains shouldn’t trouble Markovski. Sweet Feet not to lose, and probably snatch a  1-0 victory