St. Patricks Athletic 4/11 to beat Longford in Friday’s Irish Premier Division contest

Competition: Irish Premier Division

Market: St. Patricks Athletic win

Odds: 4/11 @ 888sport

Smelling a real chance on their travels when this weekend’s Irish Premier Division fixtures open up, St. Patrick’s will make the trip to Bishopsgate on Friday night.

Starting with the hosts, while Longford might have put in a gritty display on home soil last weekend, it was another night to forget for Daire Doyle’s side. Eventually getting hit with a 1-0 loss against defending Irish champions Shamrock Rovers, their immediate return to the First Division has long since been confirmed. Still sat remarkably at the foot of the table thanks to a staggering 24 point deficit, Longford have cruised their way to the wooden spoon. However, while Doyle’s men might simply be looking to end their campaign with a much-needed boost, they are in the midst of another worrying run of form. Including that 1-0 loss against Shamrock last time out, Friday’s hosts have lost each of their last four top-flight matchups on the spin. Bagging just a single goal on their four-match losing run, the Town should be bracing themselves for another long night’s work.

As for the visitors, managing to book their spot in the final of this year’s FAI Cup earlier in the month, St. Patrick’s have enjoyed an impressive week. Securing back-to-back 3-1 and 1-0 wins against Dundalk, Alan Mathews’ men are cruising their way towards a European spot. Winning three of their last four matchups across all formats, there is no doubt that they should be looking to lay down another marker this weekend. Previously picking up a 3-2 win when they last faced off against Longford on home soil last month, the Saints should also be boosted by a rampant record against Friday’s opponents. Including bagging over 2.5 goals in each of their last three meetings, it should also be noted that Mathews’ side have won all five of their previous matchups against the Premier Division strugglers. Given the recent gulf in class, we’re backing an away win here.

Bet: St. Patricks Athletic 4/11 to beat Longford in Friday’s Irish Premier Division contest @ 888sport