Athlone vs Sligo Rovers tips and predictions

Celebrations not certain for Sligo Rovers faithful

The away team is a level above this Athlone side.

Here is one of those match-ups where there is no argument that the away team is clearly superior. But even if they score eight times, there is no sense to taking the short odds.

Athlone's chances might be hanging on a thread in quick-time. But they've posted some good wins. The hosts have picked up 5 wins from 8 matches while the travelling side has been patchy. They've lost 5 of their recent 8 matches on the road. Some previews have suggested that Sligo Rovers just need to get off the bus to get the win. But that might just be empty talk.

Athlone are going to have to produce a standard of football most people don't think they are capable of. If the hosts pull this off they will need to build on their recent performances. They scored two or more goals in all of their recent 6 matches.

Sligo Rovers have actually conceded three or more goals in 3 of their last 6 matches. To double-down on these issues, chances on goal are conspicuous by their absence. The visitors have scored one or less goals in all of their last 3 matches which might be evidence that they are lacking the tools required for this fixture.

Since you're reading this you've likely looked into the recent attacking success of the hosts in some of their latest outings. If they are to somehow pull this off, it is crucial that they build on those showings.

The sportsbooks are expecting goals at both ends of the park despite the ardent favouritism for Sligo Rovers. It's not a strong view but the odds-against for the BTTS No looks more tempting for this encounter. In the total goals market, it's Under 1.5 in this match considering the price on offer. Everything in this preview will rest on how the hosts adapt to a level of football they aren't used to.