The crunch meeting of matchday 21 in the First Division takes place at Oriel Park. But just before the clash with second-placed Cobh Ramblers, table-toppers Dundalk seem to have lost their form in the last couple of weeks.
Athlone Town vs Bray Wanderers
In the third game, Ian Ryan suffered his first defeat as the manager of Athlone Town. His side narrowly lost 3-2 in the Midlands El Clasico at Longford Town after leading 2-1 at half-time. Against a struggling opponent, the bottom-placed team is now aiming for an upset. Bray have recently suffered three consecutive defeats but still go into the game in Lissywollen as the favourites.
Prediction Athlone Town 1 Bray Wanderers 2
Dundalk vs Cobh Ramblers
Dundalk remained unbeaten for 19 games. But this streak has been broken, with the Lilywhites losing 1-0 at Finn Harps on Monday. Since they had previously only managed two draws, the lead over pursuers Cobh Ramblers, who are in excellent form, has shrunk to one point. Before the crunch encounter, the league leaders have one thing to be hopeful about. Dundalk has managed to win both previous duels against Cobh (1-0 at Oriel Park in April and 2-1 at St Colman’s Park in May).
Prediction Dundalk 2 Cobh Ramblers 2
Treaty United vs Finn Harps
The visitors ended their negative streak (nine games without a W) with a surprising 1-0 against Dundalk. Can the Harps build on their recent performance this evening in Limerick? For Treaty United, it is their second home game in a row. After the 0-0 draw against Wexford, a victory is now expected against the Donegal side.
Prediction Treaty United 2 Finn Harps 0
Wexford vs Kerry FC
Wexford are currently searching for their form, with the 0-0 draw against Treaty United at least being a partial success. Three points against Kerry would be important to stay in touch with the playoff spots. The guests recently suffered a small setback (1-0 defeat in Cobh). However, since the overall development of the team is on track, the Kingdom will also approach the match at Ferrycarrig Park with a great deal of motivation.
Prediction Wexford 1 Kerry FC 1
Longford Town vs UCD (Saturday night)
The Midlanders are, in a way, the team of the moment. Longford have taken seven points from their last three games. Will this trend continue against UCD? The Students, however, recently made a statement (3:1 against Bray) and therefore expect to get something tangible at Bishopsgate as well.
Prediction Longford Town 2 UCD 2