Competition: Irish Premier Division
Market: Over 1.5 goals
Odds: 2/5 @ BetUS
Two sides who find themselves scrapping it out at opposite ends of the Premier Division table, Derry City will travel to the Showgrounds on Saturday night when they meet Sligo Rovers.
Starting with the hosts, while Sligo might have opened up the 2025 campaign having lost each of their first three appearances by an aggregate score of 10-5, the Rivers have turned somewhat of a recent corner. Putting in what was a gritty performance last time out as they snatched a thrilling 2-2 stalemate at home against runaway leaders Shamrock, John Russell’s men are desperate to make up some ground in the race for top-flight safety. Getting Saturday’s showdown underway sat seven points adrift, Sligo will be hoping to spring another upset this weekend. Including a 2-1 win against Galway on June 23rd, the Reds have suffered just a single defeat from their previous five Premier Division appearances. However, despite enduring their most fruitful spell of the season so far, Russell’s side are seeking some defensive stability. It should be highlighted, Saturday’s hosts have mustered just a sole clean sheet over the past two months.
As for the visitors, while Derry might have been frustrated last season as they eventually had to settle for a bottom-half finish, Tiernan Lynch’s side haven’t shown any signs of a hangover this time around. Making a string of improvements since opening up the 2025 campaign, the Candystripes are sat firmly in the driving seat to booking a lucrative European return. Last seen putting in a sensational display as they stormed their way to a 7-2 romp at home against Waterford, Saturday’s guests are enjoying a real purple patch. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat in silver medal position, Derry have won all of their previous four consecutive Premier Division appearances by an aggregate score of 12-2. Finding a real clinical edge over the past fortnight, Lynch’s camp have also registered 13 points from their last five outings. It should also be highlighted, claiming a routine 3-0 win when they welcomed Sligo to the Brandywell Stadium on April 22nd, they have won their last three meetings by an aggregate score of 7-2.
Bet: Over 1.5 goals at Sligo Rovers vs Derry City 2/5 for Saturday’s Irish Premier Division contest @ BetUS