League Preview: Kerry -v- Athlone Town
- Andrew Dempsey
- Fri, Jun 09 2023
KERRY
Rock-bottom Kerry host Athlone Town at Mounthawk Park for the second time this season (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Kingdom were narrowly defeated by Athlone upon the Co Westmeath side’s last visit to Tralee.
But in their last outing against Athlone, Kerry took their first scalp as a senior League of Ireland club when they won 3-2 at Lissywollen.
However, Billy Dennehy’s side have endured two heavy defeats since then – but they have also taken a further point away to Finn Harps.
Just this week, Kerry learned that they will face Ringmahon Rangers in the first round of the FAI Cup.
But before they can think of that, they need to come through a selection headache this weekend first.
Leo Gaxha, Nathan Gleeson and Kevin Williams are all suspended, while Jonathan Hanafin, Wayne Guthrie, Junior Ankomah and Mark Carey are expected to miss out through injury.
ATHLONE TOWN
Unlikely play-off contenders Athlone Town will be hoping that they can continue their forward momentum when they take on Kerry on Friday night.
The Co Westmeath side claimed two big wins last weekend to catapult themselves firmly into the play-off positions.
Firstly, they saw off local rivals Longford Town with a 1-0 win.
In-form striker Frantz Pierrot netted the winner on that occasion for the Blue and Black of the Midlands – whereas Monday’s win over Bray Wanderers was a significant one.
That success pushed them into third spot – a point clear of the Seagulls.
But Athlone secured that victory without goalkeeper Vladi Velikin and he will remain suspended for Friday’s trip to the Kingdom.
Referee: Daniel Murphy.
PREDICTION
Kerry 0-3 Athlone Town
Kerry
Injured: Jonathan Hanafin, Wayne Guthrie, Junior Ankomah, Mark Carey.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Leo Gaxha, Nathan Gleeson, Kevin Williams.
Athlone Town
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: Vladi Velikin.
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