Finn Harps vs Athlone Prediction & Betting Tips (22 August)

Finn Harps and Athlone Town are set to clash in Round 28 of the Ireland First Division on August 22, 2025, with both sides desperate for points in a season that’s been anything but smooth sailing. Finn Harps currently sit 7th in the table, having collected 28 points from 27 matches, while Athlone languish at the bottom with just 17 points. Harps come into this fixture with a mixed bag of recent results—one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five—while Athlone are winless in their last five, including three straight defeats. The form guide clearly favors Harps, especially with their recent 4-1 demolition of Athlone back in October 2023, where Tony McNamee and Ryan Flood ran riot.

On the personnel front, Finn Harps will be leaning heavily on the experience and creativity of Tony McNamee, who continues to be a pivotal figure in midfield. Success Edogun has also shown flashes of brilliance up front, and his physicality could trouble Athlone’s fragile backline. Athlone, meanwhile, will look to Carl Mujaguzi and Dean Ebbe to spark something in attack. Ebbe’s aerial prowess and positioning have been bright spots in an otherwise dim campaign. Goalkeeper Enda Minogue, now with over 50 League of Ireland appearances, remains a reliable last line of defense despite the team’s defensive woes.

Athlone’s home form earlier in the season offered a glimmer of hope, with ten of their twelve points coming at Athlone Town Stadium. However, their away record has been dismal, and they’ve struggled to contain teams with pace and width. Finn Harps, although inconsistent, have shown they can exploit defensive lapses—particularly through wide play and set pieces. The tactical battle may hinge on Harps’ ability to press high and force errors, while Athlone will need to stay compact and hit on the counter.

Given the current trajectory and historical head-to-head record, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Finn Harps feels like a calculated prediction. Athlone may find the net through a moment of individual brilliance—perhaps from Mujaguzi or Ebbe—but Harps’ superior organization and attacking depth should see them edge this contest. Expect McNamee to be involved in at least one of the goals, and Edogun to test Minogue with his physical presence. It won’t be a walkover, but Harps have the edge where it counts.