All eyes are focused on Tullamore this Sunday for the meeting of Laois and Kildare, and here at Bear In The Square, we take a view at this clash from a betting perspective.
Kildare go into this game as the deserved favourites following their promotion to Division 1 which will see these two sides separated by three divisions in 2018. Kildare are best priced 1/2 with Bet 365 and Laois are available at 11/4 with Boylesports. Based on league performances, Kildare should walk this but there is optimism around Laois following their win over Longford.
Their performance last time out has restored confidence and a devastating return from the forward unit pleased all. The injuries and absentees that hampered their league campaign have nearly all cleared up and this cannot be underestimated.
Something has got to give!
Let’s focus on the scoring exploits of Laois in recent games, their last two games against Offaly and Longford has seen them score a very impressive 8-26. Kildare’s impressive league form was down to their strong defensive performance, especially in not conceding goals.
They only conceded three goals during the league, the second best record in the country (2nd to Cavan, surprisingly). If you feel that Laois cannot unlock this Kildare defence, under 2.5 goals is 4/6 with Boyles. Can Laois find the key to open the floodgates and score the goals needed to win this. If they score goals, they have a chance. This probably comes down to one man …
The Donie Factor
It is no secret that the man who has inspired Laois is Donie Kingston. His performance and how his teammates help him are key on Sunday.
His brother Paul benefitted from Donie’s play against Longford scoring 2-1 while his display against Offaly was awesome, nearly single handedly saving Laois from relegation.
David Hyland is the man expected to wear the number 3 jersey and this battle will be worth the admission fee alone. Centre back Eoin Doyle will sit deeper in front of the Laois full forward line to try and stifle the Kingston threat.
If you fancy Donie to score a goal, he is available at 12/5 to score a goal at any time and 6/1 to score first goal. Paddy Power are offering a special on Donie to score a goal and a point from play at odds of 7/2.
Indisciplined Laois
It is a local derby so tensions will run high in the stands and on the pitch. One of the main reasons for Laois’s relegation was their failure to keep 15 players on the field.
Sending offs at key times really let Laois down during the spring. Paddy Power are offering a special on a Laois player to be sent off at 9/4. If Kildare start to pull away, don’t be surprised to see a Laois player see red.
Verdict
Unfortunately for the majority of readers, we believe Kildare will win on Sunday. Paddy Power have the handicap at -2 @ 10/11 and Kildare followers will be confident on this coming up. This game will be open similar to other games in the Leinster championship and we feel that both sides will rattle the net on Sunday. The special on offer of Kildare to win and both teams to score a goal at 9/4 in PP looks to be the value bet and we will have a 1pt stake on this.
SEE ALSO – Try our Laois v Kildare football quiz
