Although Monaghan isn't top material, they are certainly going to be in the safe middle for the most of the season, being very dangerous when playing at home. So far this season they won both home games, vs Limerick 1:0 and vs Shels also 1:0. Away they haven't been so good, losing twice to Dundalk with 0:3 result (league and Cup). All this teams are supposed to be strong, and they are (with exception of Limerick who won't finish in top 5. Shels and Dundalk are both title candidates and Monaghan did good job against them. Monaghan will have McCrossan suspended for this match, while Murphy is questionable. Nothing special regarding team news...

I already wrote about Athlone before their last clash vs Shels. They are totally inefficient, and they are yet to find the net in this season. So far they had poor performances, picking only a point in three league games, and losing with same result like Monaghan in Cup, 0:3 against Premier League strugglers - Bray. In all that games they didn't threaten opponents goal for long periods, in eg. in last match against Shels they had one big opportunity, around 70th minute, but their first shot on target was in the add on time of first half. Even that shot was from 20+ meters and too optimistic. Anyway, truth is that Athlone will score only few goals this season, and away against team like Monaghan they will struggle a lot. So far neither defence, neither attack were very impressive and atmosphere in the club is ringing "crisis!!" They will have Davy Byrne automatically suspended following his sent off in last minutes against Shels.

Conclusion: Monaghan, although not a really strong club, should have too much for Athlone if they keep playing like they did in last four games. Away Athlone is nothing but crap, and Monaghan already beaten some clubs that are much better. I rate Monaghan as much better in this clash, saying that, i see chances are around 60-30-10, and all odds above 1.85, even 1.80 represent great value in my eyes.

Predicted score: 2:0

Pick : Monaghan -0,5
Odds : 2.03
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : 10bet
Date : 2008-04-04
Match Result : 1-2
Tipster Personal Link/Sponsor: http://scythe.blogabet.com/

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