After 15 games played, league leaders Dundalk are still unbeaten in the LOI First Division. However, it was bottom-placed club Athlone Town who produced some interesting headlines during the last couple of days.
Athlone Town vs Cobh Ramblers
It was a fairly eventful week for the bottom-placed Midlanders. According to an RTÉ report, Athlone has released five players (Adam Wixted, Declan McDaid, Kyle O’Connor, JR Wilson and Bastien Héry) without giving a reason for this decision. Furthermore, Danny Byrne, who was part of the interim coaching staff after the departure of manager Dário Castelo, has also left the club (link: Athlone Town release five members of playing squad). Under these circumstances, the third-placed Rams have a good chance to bounce back after their 2-1 defeat against Dundalk.
Prediction Athlone Town 1 Cobh Ramblers 3
Bray Wanderers vs Wexford
After getting back on track with a 3-1 against Athlone, the Seagulls are determined to start a new winning streak, having the aim to retain their second place in the table. On the other side, Wexford is without a win in four matches, losing three of them. Last Friday, the visitors gained at least some confidence by grabbing a 1-1 draw at Kerry. Now, they hope to come up with a surprising result at Carlisle Grounds.
Prediction Bray Wanderers 2 Wexford 1
Dundalk vs Kerry FC
In last week’s top clash, the Lilywhites celebrated a crucial 2-1 win at Cobh, which should give them a considerable boost ahead of tonight’s home fixture. However, the Kingdom has shown an improved form over the last couple of weeks by gathering seven points from the last three games. Under new manager Colin Healy, who took over on 5 May, Kerry beat Treaty 1-0 before drawing Wexford 1-1 and demonstrated that they can be a tough opponent to encounter on a good day.
Prediction Dundalk 2 Kerry FC 0
Finn Harps vs UCD
The Harps are without a win in five and moreover haven’t scored a goal in three games. Against UCD, a victory is necessary if the Donegal side wants to stay close to the playoff spots. For the Students, the situation is a little bit more comfortable. Still, the visitors are eager to show another face compared to last Friday’s performance when they were battered 4-0 by Treaty United.
Prediction Finn Harps 2 UCD 1
Treaty United vs Longford Town
By beating UCD 4-0, the Shannonsiders confirmed their decent form and established themselves in the fourth place in the table. United are the favourites against Longford, but they shouldn’t underestimate the Midlanders who were able to bag five points from their last three games.
Prediction Treaty United 1 Longford Town 0