League Preview: St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Josh Dolan
• Thu, Sep 25 2014




ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

The Saints host Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers at Richmond Park, on Friday night as they look to extend their lead over the Tallaght club to ten points and all but book the final European place the league has to offer. (Kick-off 7.45pm)

 

Although the league title is all but out of reach Saints Boss Liam Buckley is determined to finish strongly, while also obtaining the best possible league position.

 

“We’ve five games to go in the league so we’re looking to finish with as many points as possible.  The only thing we can control is our own games so we’ll be looking to get three points Friday and then take it on from there,” Buckley told stpatsfc.com.

 

It’s always a special occasion when The Saints come up against The Hoops, and Buckley knows what Friday night means to both the club and their supporters, as The Saints look to dash their foes hopes of qualifying for Europe via the league.

 

“The team and I know what the game means to all our fans, so we’ll be going all out for the win
on Friday.”


Saints midfielder Killian Brennan believes Friday night’s tie with his ex- club will be a huge contrast to the challenge they overcame away at Bray last Friday.

 

“Rovers will be much different compared to Bray last week.  The game out in Bray wasn’t easy for us, but we dug out a result and got the points,” the 30 year-old told stpatsfc.com.

 

Despite having a number of injuries and suspensions to key players in recent weeks The Saints have been able to put a run of seven games unbeaten together, and Brennan is eager to help his team mates lengthen that unbeaten run against Pat Fenlon’s side on Friday night.

 

“We’ve managed to cope with a lot of injuries and suspensions lately, and we’re on a good run of form.  Whether we play well or not, the main thing is that we get the job done tomorrow night and get the win.”

 

Defenders Ian Bermingham and Kenny Browne are in contention for Friday’s tie following respective ankle and back injuries, however Greg Bolger and Ken Oman are both out through suspension.

 

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Rovers face their third game in just six days as they travel to face the league champions at Richmond Park.

 

Fenlon’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing narrow defeat to Dundalk in last Saturday’s EA Sports Cup Final and Tuesday night’s draw away at arch rivals Bohemians.

 

With The Hoops seven points behind St Pat’s Shamrock Rovers Boss, Pet Fenlon knows that his side must take all three points on Friday night if his side are to challenge for third spot.

 

“We know that if we beat St Pat's tomorrow night that we can put a fair bit of pressure on them, but a defeat would probably leave us that bit too far behind,” Fenlon explained.

 

The 45 year old has experienced a number of Dublin derbies during stints at both Bohemians and Shelbourne, and he believes that the race for third being on the line only adds to the occasion.

 

“It is a big game for all involved, and yet another derby game for us, so we're looking forward to it." 

 

Robert Bayly is Pat Fenlon’s only absentee ahead of Friday night’s game, as he continues to recover from the flu.

 

Referee: Tomas Connolly
 

MATCH STATS

The Saints have conceded 17 goals at home this season, more than any other side in the top six.

 

The Hoops last recorded a league win at Richmond Park back in April of 2010.

 

No fewer of nine of this season’s Saints squad have played competitively for Shamrock Rovers.


BETTING

St Patrick’s Athletic 11/10; Draw 23/10; Shamrock Rovers 23/10

 

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 2-2 Shamrock Rovers

 

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Ken Oman, Greg Bolger.

 

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Injured: Robert Bayly (flu).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.