League of Ireland predictions: Cork can consolidate their lead

Football tips, best bets and analysis for the weekend League of Ireland Airtricity Division 1 matches.

When to bet

All kick-offs 7.45pm Friday

Best bets

Cork City -1 goal on handicap
2pts 4-5 Betfair, Paddy Power

Wexford draw no bet
2pts 7-5 general

Preview

All eyes are on Division One during this international break as Cork City bid to stretch their lead over Galway United and the Rebels host basement boys Athlone Town on Friday evening.

City lost to Galway in week one but have thrived since, hammering Treaty after beating Waterford comfortably at Turner's Cross. Athlone are coughing up goals every week so it looks a set to be a comfortable night for Colin Healy's side.

They will have the help of another bumper home crowd, are only improving and seem especially solid defensively. Athlone are conceding an average of three goals per game, while Cork have let in one goal in six.

Wexford let down their backers last week but it might be worth persevering with them at the Carlisle Grounds against Bray Wanderers. It was a night to forget for Ian Ryan's side against Longford but Bray have already lost three games and home advantage seems negligible.

Cabinteely merged with Bray in the off-season but the 2022 Wanderers team is made up of Cabo's old managerial duo and nearly all of Cabo's players from last year. Wexford should not see this as an away game, yet they have scored four goals in two games on the road.

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