Dundalk Backed Into Odds-On Favourites for League of Ireland Defence

Dundalk have been backed into odds-on shots to defend their League of Ireland Premier Division title as they prepare to begin their new campaign by hosting Sligo Rovers on Friday evening.

The County Louth club have been crowned champions in four of the last five years and they embark on the new season with the new management team of Vinny Perth and John Gill in place following Stephen Kenny’s departure to become Republic of Ireland U21 manager.

A fifth title in six seasons is now rated an odds-on 5/6 shot after it was backed in from Even money this week,

while Shamrock Rovers are their most likely challengers according to the betting as 3/1 second favourites.

The Tallaght-based outfit are hoping to finalise the signing of Austrian striker Orhan Vojic this week ahead of their opener against Waterford United. The Hoops have proved a popular selection as 11/10 favourites in the betting without Dundalk market.

Vojic is 7/1 to finish the season as the Premier Division’s top goalscorer but Pat Hoban is the runaway 5/2 favourite having bagged 29 goals in Dundalk’s march to the title last year.

The Lilywhites are hot 1/3 shots to get off on the right foot with a victory over Sligo Rovers at Oriel Park, but Cork City and Shamrock Rovers are at 13/10 and 7/4 respectively as they face tricky opening away fixtures at St Pat’s and Waterford United.

*Prices correct at time of publication