League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Finn Harps

ATHLONE TOWN 

Athlone could not have made a worse start to the season falling to defeat in all five of their five opening games.

At home they have so far lost to Cabinteely and UCD while, on the road, Aaron Callaghan’s men have really struggled, shipping four on the opening day of the season at Galway, alongside six at Drogheda and five at Longford.

They are the only side in the First Division yet to pick up a point and sit currently adrift at the bottom of the table having conceded 20 and only scoring four times.

Athlone have failed to provide team news.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps are set to play their second of three games in a week as they travel to face struggling Athlone Town.

Harps look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season on Monday night as they lost away at Drogheda United.

Speaking to the club website, Finn Harps boss Ollie Horgan spoke of the need to get back on track such is the competitive nature of the division.

“Yes Athlone have lost all four league games so far this season. That will make them all the more determined to get something from the game against us.

“They will be fresher having had no game on Monday. When our lads step on to the pitch most of them will have had two lengthy bus trips in the space of four days.

“So I just hope that physically and fitness wise we can match them. No way is it a given that we will win in Athlone.

“We were expected to have it easy against Wexford Youths last Friday night but we just struggled to a 1-0 victory. Our lads have to deliver for the full game in order to get the three points.”

Gareth Harkin, BJ Banda and Liam Walsh all remain out with respective knee injuries while Keith Cowan will serve his suspension after receiving a straight red against Drogheda on Monday night.

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea

MATCH STATS

The last league meeting between the two sides came on October 9^th 2015 finishing in a 1-1 draw as Harps went on to secure promotion to the Premier Division.

Athlone go in search of their first win of the season and are the only team in both tiers of Irish football yet to pick up a point.

This will be Finn Harps' second game in a three part series that will take place over seven days as they also welcome local rivals Derry City to Finn Park on Easter Monday.

The contest will see the league’s best and worst defensive records come up against each other. Harps hold the best, only conceding four goals, while Athlone have the worst conceding twenty.

BETTING

Athlone Town 22/1; Finn Harps 1/18; Draw 17/2

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 0-2 Finn Harps

Athlone Town

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: BJ Banda, Gareth Harkin and Liam Walsh

Doubtful: Ciaran Coll, Jesse Deevers, Tommy McBride.

Suspended: Keith Cowen.