Airtricity League betting preview

It's back tonight! The new Airtricity League season kicks off tonight and we take a look at the Ladbrokes betting market for the coming season.

Supporters of the local game have waited four long months for this day. The FAI Cup Final between Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United was a classic, but it seems so long ago now. As with all Airtricity League off seasons, there has been plenty of new signings and departures to whet the supporters appetites. So, who is going to win the title? Last season's champions Saint Patrick's Athletic are the favourites at 2/1 followed by Sligo Rovers at 10/3 and then Shamrock Rovers at 7/2. Roddy Collins (pic below) has come in at Derry City and he has a mandate to win the league. Roddy usually gets results and Derry are an attractive 9/1 to bring the title back to the Brandywell. If you're looking for a good bet as top goalscorer, there are plenty of tasty looking options worth a punt here. Last season's top scorer was Rory Patterson from Derry City who scored 18 goals and is the joint favourite with Danny North this season at 5/1. Sligo Rovers have brought in Eric Odhiambo and he scored a hat-trick on his debut for the club in the Setanta Cup. Sligo always create chances and at 10/1, he looks like a real contender. Ciaran Kilduff had a great run at Cork City when he signed last season ending up with 13 goals and at 12/1 represents decent value. The bottom of the table market is just as competitive and if you fancy Bray Wanderers to finish bottom, you'll only get odd of 10/11. If you think Athlone Town are going to struggle on their return to the big time and finish bottom, you can have odds of 4/1.