Pete’s Picks – Saturday’s Live GAA Analysis & Tips

Galway did BoyleSports’ bettors a number of profitable favours against Dublin in the Leinster SHC quarter-final replay and should also enhance punters’ satchels when the Tribesmen meet Laois in O’Connor Park, Tullamore.

Galway v Laois, Hurling, Sky Sports 5, 5pm
Galway are a prohibitive 1-14 to topple Seamus ‘Cheddar’ Plunkett’s side, rated as an 8-1 shot by the BoyleSports’ odds-compilers.

Laois tallied 0-29 in an eight-point dismissal of Offaly in the previous round.
That result, of course, sent shockwaves throughout the GAA world. Yet, maybe people should not have been so surprised as Laois were actually pre-match favourites to account for Offaly earlier on in the league.

Additionally, Brian Whelehan’s outfit most likely had one eye on an expected clash with Anthony Cunningham’s charges. However, Galway could torment the Laois rearguard and accumulate a sizeable total, as they did while Dublin were on the ropes at the same venue.

Jason Flynn will not take his place in the Galway attack due to a broken finger but Niall Healy could actually add another dimension to their inside forward line and I suspect this could be all one-way traffic.

The primary port of call is to support Galway -7 at 8-13 but they can also cover the nine-point deficit.

Furthermore, Galway are noted for creating and executing goalscoring opportunities against inferior opponents. Back them to score over 2.5 and 3.5 goals.

Pete’s Picks:
Galway -7 (Match Handicap) @ 8/13
Galway -9 (Match Handicap) @ Evs
Galway Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4
Galway Over 3.5 goals @ 7/2

Sligo v Roscommon, Football, Sky Sports 3, 7pm
Sky Sports’ second live offering on Saturday night is the clash of Sligo and Roscommon in the Connacht SFC semi-final at Markievicz Park.

The key approach for punters fixated on having a bet on this encounter is not to over-think how the game might pan out.

The reality is John Evans’ Rossies are deservedly 4/11 match betting favourites and should cover the three point handicap betting deficit imposed by the bookmakers.

Under Evans, Roscommon have evolved immeasurably, a theory illustrated by their two-step jump from Division 3 to the top-flight in the league.

Yet, Sligo, 3/1, managed by Niall Carew, finished fifth in Division 3 this term and yet their boss is suggesting his side are more than primed to tackle the Rossies.

“Everything so far has been going really well from our perspective,” Carew said. “The training camp was a way to get the team out it was great that no injuries were picked up. We are looking in good shape.

“The excitement is definitely building. Finally the wait is over and the players are looking forward to Saturday. We are hoping that they will perform, that is the main thing. There is no reason why they shouldn’t perform and that’s the main thing.”

However, it is hard to share Carew’s enthusiasm and instead worth trusting Evans’ tactical nous and greater spread of attacking flair to ensure Roscommon progress to face Mayo in the provincial decider with comfort.

Pete’s Picks:
Roscommon -3 (Match Handicap) @ Evs