Sunday 06/07/2014, 18:00, Ireland Premier League, Round 18, Athlone Town vs Derry City
Athlone Town vs Derry City Betting Preview
Exactly one month ago, Athlone Town looked doomed to relegate but they managed to collect four precious points and keep the dream alive. Granted the hosts have a long way to go to remain in the Irish Premier League, they are making baby steps in the right action. This progress should not be underestimated, especially by Derry City who doesn't have a stellar performance on the road.
Athlone Town vs Derry City Betting Odds
At Paddy Power
Athlone Town 4.00, Draw 3.50, Derry City 1.80
Athlone Town vs Derry City Betting Tips
Under normal circumstances, the visitors will be traveling to Athlone Town confident that by simply being there, they would collect all three points. The hosts managed to win just eight points the entire season, but it is relevant that half of them were collected in the last two weeks. Interesting enough, they woke up from the slumber and won by six goals to none against Drogheda United and then held Bohemians to a 2-2 draw.
The very idea of scoring eight goals in back-to-back games looked like science fiction for Athlone Town fans in late June, but this is what happened.
O'Brien and Gorman are the hottest players right now, with the former's performance being even more impressive as he is a midfielder. O'Brien scored three times and managed the double against Bohemians, while Gorman consolidated his position as Athlone Town's most prolific striker.
Derry City had no problem in scoring goals recently, and they managed to expand their undefeated run to four consecutive games in more than a month. The first leg of the Europa League campaign started promising, with them winning by 4-0 and securing a safe passage to the next round. More worrisome are the consecutive 2-2 draws in the premier league and the fact that opponents scored four goals.
Key Facts
- In 10 head to head games, Athlone Town failed to win a single match, with four games ending undecided.
- This is the best time of the year for the hosts and the outcome of this match will greatly influence their chances to avoid relegation.
Athlone Town vs Derry City Betting Prediction
The visitors are clearly the better team and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if they managed to sneak past Athlone Town and claim all three points. The odds don't justify such a risk though and punters would be better off backing the underdogs tonight to win or draw. Paddy Power offers the same odds and given the hosts' impressive run in late June, they are worth a shot.
Bet: Athlone Town or Draw @ 1.90 with Paddy Power
