St Patricks Athletic v Sligo Rovers
Football : League Of Ireland : Premier Division
Friday 20th August Kick Off 7.45pm

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St Patricks Athletic (St Pats) 2nd ( Home Record W9 D2 L2 )
Sligo Rovers 4th( Away Record W4 D6 L3 )

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St Patricks Athletic suffered a terrible shock defeat last weekend at the hands of bottom side Bray wanderers putting a dent in their title challenge. They are now in second place, 3 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers. The 3-2 defeat ended their 6 match unbeaten run which saw them go top of the table. Boss Pete Mahon made no excuses during the week and admitted his side were second best on a rare off night for them.

St Pats have been excellent this season and nobody, even the most ardent supporter was expecting them to challenge for the title. But Mahon has got them playing great football and made them very hard to beat. They have lost only twice in their last 11 games and have a terrific home record, losing only twice in their 13 home games. They have beaten Sligo 1-0 at home and drew 0-0 in their two fixtures so far this season.

Sligo Rovers for their part are very much the team of the moment in the League Of Ireland. They have won their last 5 games in all competitions and on Tuesday night defeated league leaders Shamrock Rovers 2-1 in the league cup semi final after being a goal down early on. Sligo have been praised for their excellent brand of football and St Pats Boss Pete Mahon has called them the best side in the league at the moment, perhaps its some mind games ahead of the game but he wouldnt be far wrong.

Sligo are in fourth place and only 6 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers but with a game more played. Their outstanding form of late has got them within touching distance of the leaders, perhaps a little too late for a title challenge but im sure boss Paul Cook will think differently and will push for the highest possible finish, theres no doubt that second place at least is very much a possibility. They have only 1 defeat in 9 games and have a solid away record, losing only 3 times on the road from 13 games.

ST PATRICKS ATHLETIC LAST 5 GAMES
Bray Wanderes 3-2 St Patricks Athletic
St Patricks Athletic 2-0 Drogheda United
Bohemians 1-1 St Patricks Athletic
St Patricks Athletic 1-1 Sporting Fingal
Dundalk 0-3 St Patricks Athletic

SLIGO ROVERS LAST 5 GAMES
Sligo Rovers 2-1 Shamrock Rovers (League Cup Semi Final)
Sligo Rovers 4-0 UCD
Bray Wanderers 1-3 Sligo Rovers
Sligo Rovers 1-0 Dundalk
Drogheda 2-3 Sligo Rovers

VERDICT

Two in form sides especially Sligo and the best bet for me is SLIGO ROVERS+1 Handicap OR SLIGO ROVERS DOUBLE CHANCE TO WIN OR DRAW (4/7)

The Pick :

St Patricks Athletic 1-1 Sligo Rovers or 1-2

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take SLIGO ROVERS +1 GOAL
Or SLIGO ROVERS DOUBLE CHANCE (to WIN or DRAW).