While only three games are scheduled in the Premier Division over the weekend, a full matchday is taking place in the First Division. The highlight is likely to be the crunch meeting between Bray Wanderers and league leaders Dundalk.
Bray Wanderers vs Dundalk
Both teams are in good shape and recently celebrated two consecutive victories each. In these games, both Bray and Dundalk kept clean sheets. As the table-toppers, the guests are slightly favoured. But in their own stadium, the Seagulls will certainly do everything to secure the victory and reduce the gap to Dundalk to six points.
Prediction Bray Wanderers 1 Dundalk 1
Treaty United vs Cobh Ramblers
In the course of this season, the hosts have often shown that they can be dangerous to supposedly better teams. In the past few weeks, however, things have not been going so well for the Limerick side. The team’s last victory was already about one month ago. The situation is different for the second-placed Rams, who recently beat Athlone Town 2-1 and want to keep the pressure on league leaders Dundalk.
Prediction Treaty United 2 Cobh Ramblers 2
UCD vs Finn Harps
Although the Students had to play almost the whole second half with one man less, they secured a respectable 1-1 draw against Treaty United last Friday. Overall, the hosts have shown convincing performances in recent weeks. The same applies to the Harps, who have now gone five games without a loss. Thus, an interesting, evenly matched game could develop this evening at UCD Bowl.
Prediction UCD 1 Finn Harps 2
Wexford vs Athlone Town
Athlone is in last place and has recently suffered three consecutive defeats. But the game in Cobh, which was narrowly lost 2-1, could give the visitors some hope. Although the Town were clear underdogs, they put in a decent performance at St. Colman’s Park. Against Wexford, who want to maintain their playoff ambitions, Ian Ryan’s side is now hoping for a surprise. Additionally, there is also some interesting news off the pitch at Athlone. After months of uncertainty, the club has a new owner. Nick Giannotti, an American businessman and co-founder of the solar company Redball Energy, has taken command at the Midlanders. Giannotti is also involved with English club Plymouth Argyle and NIFL Premiership side Larne.
Prediction Wexford 3 Athlone Town 1
Longford Town vs Kerry FC
After three defeats in a row, Kerry has slipped to second-to-last place. Against an opponent of nearly equal standing, the Tralee side finally wants to end its crisis on Saturday evening. Longford at least managed a 0-0 draw against Finn Harps last week. The Midlanders now aim to secure their sixth win of the season to establish themselves in the middle of the table.
Prediction Longford Town 1 Kerry FC 1