St Patrick’s Athletic 4/11 to beat Longford Town in Friday’s Irish Premier Division showdown

Competition: Irish Premier Division

Market: St Patrick’s Athletic win

Odds: 4/11 @ 888sport

Looking to extend their battle in the title scrap, St Patrick’s Athletic will welcome a struggling Longford Town to Richmond Park on Friday night.

Starting with the hosts, managing to extend on their FAI Cup adventure away at Cork City from the penalty spot last weekend, the mood in St Patrick’s Athletic camp should be at a high. Still sat three points adrift of league leaders and defending champions Shamrock Rovers, Alan Mathews’ side have gained plenty of plaudits this season. Bouncing back from that defeat away at Finn Harps last month, there is no doubt that the Reds will be boosted by what has been a stellar record on home soil. Last seen at Richmond Park picking up a 2-1 victory against Waterford, the Dublin-based outfit have won each of their last six home fixtures across all formats, a run that stems back to May 28th. With that run highlighted by a 6-0 romp against First Division side Bray Wanderers last month, St Patrick’s should be looking to lay down another marker on Friday.

As for the visitors, while St Patrick’s might find themselves still battling it out in the title chase, Longford are enduring their own battle at the other end of the table. Sat rooted rock-bottom of the standings and opening this weekend’s fixtures sat a staggering 18 points adrift of safety, it is fair to say that Daire Doyle’s squad are freefalling their way towards an immediate First Division return. Knowing that they face another overwhelming test when they make the trip to Richmond Park on Friday, the Town were last seen putting in another worrying display. Crashing out of the FAI Cup last weekend thanks to a 2-1 loss away at second-tier side UCD, Longford have now lost each of their last five matchups across all formats. Last seen on top-flight duties getting hit with a 4-1 drumming at the hands of Waterford, we’re backing a home victory here.

Bet: St Patrick’s Athletic 4/11 to beat Longford Town in Friday’s Irish Premier Division showdown @ 888sport