Eircom Leagues
2009-10-09 - Dundalk vs St Patricks Athletic
A Sports Betting Pick by Stephen
Football: League Of Ireland
Friday 9th October KO 7.45pm
Dundalk (5th) Home Record W7 D1 L6
St Patricks Athletic (7th) Away Record W5 D0 L10
Dundalk in 5th place are sitting comfortably in mid table and while they won't qualify for European Competition next year, they are also well clear of the relegation zone and barring disaster they will be playing Premier Division football again next season.
It's been a very successful first season back in the top flight for Sean Connor's side. Dundalk would have been one of the favourites for the drop at the start of the season and their fans will be more than happy at their fifth position.
Dundalk did start the season poorly but managed to turn things around and go on a very good run in the second half of the season and their home form in particular has been very impressive. They have won 6 out of their last 7 home games with just one defeat against Bohs.
As for St Pats the second half of the season has been one to forget. They did start the campaign well with 3 wins from 4 and a Europa Cup run which saw them beat Russian side Sovietov FC, but theyre league form has been very poor in recent months and the club also saw the departure of Boss Jeff Kenna 3 weeks ago.
Kenna has been replaced by experienced Boss Pete Mahon. Mahon is known for his sides to play attractive football but its results that St Pats need more than anything to ensure their Premier Division status for next sesaon.
St Pats are not safe yet in seventh position and are only 5 points clear of the relegation play off spot. They were beaten 2-0 at home to third from bottom Sligo and the performance was one of their worst of the season. A few weeks earlier they had also been knocked out of the Cup by First Division side Waterford United.
One stat in St Pats favour is that they have beaten Dundalk 3 times already this season. But I dont think this will count for anything going into this game.
St Pats will be without 3 of their first choice defence as David Partridge, Jamie Harris and Noel Haverty will be missing. While Dundalk will be without Striker Alex Williams and also Michael Daly.
DUNDALK LAST 5 RESULTS
Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Derry City 3-0 Dundalk
Dundalk 1-0 Cork City
Dundalk 3-0 Galway
Drogheda 2-2 Dundalk
ST PATRICKS LAST 5 RESULTS
Galway 2-1 St Patricks
St Patricks 1-1 Cork City
St Patricks 0-2 Waterford (FAI Cup)
Bray 0-1 St Patricks
St Patricks 0-2 Sligo Rovers
THE BETTING VERDICT
I'm going for a DUNDALK WIN. They have looked solid at home of late while their form has been much better than that of St Pats.
DUNDALK are at a good price of 11/10 at Paddy Powers, Ladbrokes and Bet365.
The Pick :
Dundalk 2-0 St Patricks Athletic
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take DUNDALK to WIN. (main bet)
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Also consider DUNDALK/ DUNDALK on the HALF TIME/FULL TIME bet at 13/5.
