Cork City vs Athlone tips and predictions

Cork City heavily favoured for a reason

On 14 Division 1 point, first placed Cork City host fifth placed Athlone. The visitors will be looking to close the gap. Will they be adding to their 6 points?

There's no dispute that Cork City are the favourites but there's nothing to get carried away with in the price. Without a huge amount of confidence then, they are the pick to win.

The hosts are going along swimmingly at home; they've won their last 3 on the spin while the travelling side has pulled up short at times. They've lost 7 of their recent 8 matches on the road. They will struggle here too.

The home side's defence looks worthy of praise. They'll see this clash as an opportunity to keep a clean sheet; they've only let in 1 goal in their last 6 games. While the hosts have looked capable of soaking up pressure, the opposition here has really had their resistance challenged. Away from home Athlone have conceded three or more goals in 6 of their last 7 campaigns.

Cork City have won 11 of the last 14 fixtures between these sides.

You will not be alone if you're predicting that one of these sides will park the bus due to the favouritism for Cork City. The No BTTS could be the best side bet.