Competition: Irish Premier Division

Market: St. Patrick’s Athletic win

Odds: 19/20 @ Pribet

Looking to extend on their sensational Premier Division romp, St. Patrick’s will welcome Shelbourne to Richmond Park on Friday night.

Starting with the hosts, embarking on what has been a remarkable start to proceedings, St. Patrick’s have firmly cemented their spot as Ireland’s ultimate surprise package this season. Last seen putting in a rampant performance as they stormed their way to a stellar 4-1 romp at home against Waterford, the Athletic will be searching for a repeat display here. Signing off April with a routine 3-1 win against Bohemians, the former Ireland boss certainly finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Unbeaten in all of their previous five consecutive Premier Division appearances, St. Patrick’s have rightfully received a string of plaudits. Including another 3-1 victory against Drogheda last month, Friday’s hosts have also continued to shine with their free-scoring performances in the final third. In fact, sat just three points adrift of leapfrogging reigning champions Shamrock and skyrocketing their way to the top of the table, Kenny’s side have remarkably notched 31 goals in their 16 Premier Division showdowns this season.

As for the visitors, while Shelbourne might have secured a much-welcomed 2-1 victory against Shelbourne earlier in the month, it appears that was just a minor boost for Joey O’Brien’s side. Last seen putting in a toothless display as they eventually had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Sligo Rovers, the Reds have mustered just a single win from any of their previous seven consecutive appearances – a run that stems all the way back to March 21st. Signing off April with a thrilling 4-3 defeat at the hands of Drogheda, Friday’s guests will be bracing themselves for a stern examination when they travel to Richmond Park this weekend. Holding just a two-point buffer from slipping into the relegation zone, Shelbourne should also be concerned by their most recent showdown against St. Patrick’s. In fact, hit with an action-packed 3-2 loss when they welcomed the Irish high-flyers to Tolka Park back on March 6th, they have also claimed just one-point from their previous three battles. Given what has been a huge recent gulf in class between Friday’s opponents, we are backing a home victory here.

Bet: St. Patrick’s Athletic 19/20 to beat Shelbourne in Friday’s Irish Premier Division contest @ Pribet