Last week, the First Division teams were in action in the second round of the FAI Cup. Now, league football is back, with four games being played tonight and one game scheduled for Saturday evening.
Athlone Town vs Treaty United
Both teams suffered defeats in the FAI Cup and are out for redemption this evening. The bottom-placed hosts are clearly the underdogs against the fourth-placed Limerick side. Anything other than a victory for Treaty would be a big surprise.
Prediction Athlone Town 1 Treaty United 3
Dundalk vs Wexford
In their last league match, the league leaders lost 2-0 at Bray. With this result, Dundalk were also defeated in the cup by Sligo Rovers. Against Wexford, who were beaten 4-0 by Shamrock Rovers last week, the Lilywhites finally want to find their way back to winning ways.
Prediction Dundalk 2 Wexford 0
Finn Harps vs Cobh Ramblers
After victories in the cup, both teams can approach today’s game with a lot of confidence. However, the second-placed visitors, who recently lost 2-1 against Treaty United in the league, are clearly the favourites in the clash against the eighth-placed Ballybofey side.
Prediction Finn Harps 1 Cobh Ramblers 2
Kerry FC vs UCD
The hosts have recently suffered four consecutive defeats in the league. At least they were able to celebrate a success in the cup by beating Athlone 2-1 in extra time. The Students had actually found themselves in good form, but last week they lost 3-0 to Finn Harps and now want to show a reaction.
Prediction Kerry FC 1 UCD 1
Longford Town vs Bray Wanderers (Saturday)
In a spectacular cup match, Longford triumphed 6-3 against Castlebar Celtic. Bray, meanwhile, won 3-0 against Wayside Celtic. For the Seagulls, it was their fourth consecutive victory overall. They will also be the favourites at Bishopsgate on Saturday evening.
Prediction Longford Town 1 Bray Wanderers 2