- Killester have won 1, drawn 1 and lost 3 of their last 5 matches in all competitions.
- Bangor Celtic have scored 18 goals in their last 5 games, including a recent 8-1 win and a 5-6 shootout loss.
- Killester have struggled to keep clean sheets with Declan Murphy and Tom Bourke both playing in goal recently.
Familiar foes renew Leinster League rivalry
After a 3-2 away win in their most recent meeting, the last 6 games between Killester Donnycarney FC and Bangor Celtic FC have been very competitive with 3 draws and 2 wins apiece for the two clubs. The result is never a sure bet when these sides meet but Bangor's superior recent form and league position (6th, ~37pts) over Killester's (11th, ~23pts) make them the more likely winners on Sunday.
Bangor better than evens to bag the 3 points
The visitors go into the game as favourites with odds of 33/25, but Killester are priced at 141/100, when the bookies really ought to be giving them more of a chance based on recent history. Bangor are clearly the superior side and will be confident of locking in their top half status with 3 points, while Killester need the same to boost their survival chances and climb the table in the final few weeks.
Bangor are on a goal-fest in recent weeks with 18 goals scored in their last 5 competitive games. John Scott's long-serving boss has certainly drilled an attacking philosophy into the Green and White hoops and they will look to put Killester under pressure right from the off, playing with wingers and overlapping fullbacks while pressing high up the pitch to overload teams.
Killer’s in inconsistent form this season
Shane Harte has overseen a season of mixed form for Killester, who sit 11th in the Leinster Senior League. His side can set up to stifle opponents or open the game up with a more open transitional approach, but both tactics have been ineffective this season as evidenced by their paltry goal tally and lack of clean sheets.
Matthew Harris has been Killester's main goal threat this term with 6 goals in the league, but Daniel Bergin is another key attacking player with 5 and the duo have formed a good partnership this term. Bangor Celtic have plenty of goals in their ranks with Tommy Stedman in prolific form with a hat-trick in their 8-1 demolition and James Scott also chipping in.
A win for the visitors seems likely given their superior firepower and Killester's miserable recent form which has seen them exit the FAI Cup 2-1 and lose 3 straight league games. But with both teams having something to play for, the history of the fixture and Killester's tenacity to stay afloat suggests a draw is a distinct possibility.
Expect an open game on a slick pitch
Both teams to score is very short at 19/50, but it's likely we will see an open, back-and-forth game on Sunday with both defences looking vulnerable. The wet weather in Dublin should suit Bangor's direct, wing-based attack while making defending set pieces treacherous for both sides. If the hosts can stay in the game and frustrate Bangor, their counter-attacking quality could see them get on the scoresheet.
Bangor Celtic have conceded 10 goals in their last 2 league games. Killester may have to adopt a more positive approach to secure the 3 points they need and this could lead to an intriguing tactical clash between the 2 sides. The midfield battle and the duel on the flanks will probably decide the winner on the day, but a draw still looks likely given the history of the fixture.
