- Team form: In their last 5 matches, St Patrick's Athletic won 3, drew 1, and lost 1 (W3, D1, L1).
- Recent form: In their last 5, Dundalk won 2 and lost 3 (W2, D0, L3).
- Away stats: Across all competitions, Dundalk scored 7 times in 4 away matches, so they can nick chances on the break.
Sides set to lock horns at Richmond Park
Since a 1-0 away draw to Waterford FC in the Premier Division 2026, St Pat's picked up a 2-1 home win over Wexford FC in the FAI Cup 2026. Dundalk FC followed up a 2-1 defeat to Drogheda United at home in the Premier Division 2026 with a 3-1 win away to St Mochta's in the FAI Cup 2026.
At 1.56, St Pat's are the favorite to win this game against a Dundalk side priced at 5.6 with the draw at 4.0. This price difference suggests that the bookies feel Dundalk are in poor form and St. Pats are a far better team.
St. Pats are in a good position, but a mixed one St. Pats arrive at Richmond Park in mixed-but-positive form after winning 3, drawing 1, and losing 1 in their last 5 games. Across all competitions, this run has seen them win 5, draw 2 and lose 3 in their last 10 (W5, D2, L3) – not a bad run, but not a perfect one.
Dundalk have a similar record across their last 5, but with more defeats and fewer wins. They have won 2 and lost 3 in their last 5, a record that is echoed by their form across all competitions (W5, D1, L4 in the last 10) – this looks like a streaky team.
St. Pats and Dundalk should make an even contest
Tactical approaches
These two sides will lock horns on Friday in Ireland in what looks set to be an interesting chess match. St. Pats manager Stephen Kenny has set up his team in a possession first, progressive 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 system that is built to pin teams back and dictate play, which should suit them well at home.
Dundalk boss Ciarán Kilduff sets his team up in a direct 4-2-3-1 that is designed to turn the opposition over and hurt them on the counter. The game could see Dundalk nick some chances on the attack, but their form doesn't inspire confidence.
Betting and players
We're going with the goal markets to deliver the value here. Over 2.5 at 1.65 and BTTS - Yes at 1.67 both look good value. St. Pats will probably edge this one, but the odds and the goal bets look like Dundalk could keep this competitive.
- Gbemi Arubi has been in good form for Dundalk, he's the top scorer in the Premier Division 2026 with 7 goals in 23 appearances and he could add to that tally here.
- The best creator in the Dundalk ranks has been Daryl Horgan, he's made 3 assists in his last 5 appearances.
