Drogheda United -v- St Patrick's Athletic

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda will look for instant redemption for their 2-2 draw with Bohemians on Friday night as they host St Pats at Hunky Dorys Park. The Boynesiders twice took the lead on Friday, only to be pegged back by a clinical Bohemians side.

The Boynesiders have lost only one league game this season, that being the opening night clash with Pats, but Drogheda assistant manager doesn’t feel that tomorrow is about revenge, more, setting things straight.

“In every game we have played this season there hasn't been much in it, whether we won, drew or lost. Pats are the only team to beat us in the league and we would like to set that record straight tomorrow.”

Drogheda will be boosted by the return of influential duo Ryan Brennan and Alan Byrne to the squad. Both missed the Friday night game with respective knocks but they have re-gained fitness in time to be selected tomorrow.

Drogheda also have a Setanta Cup final on the horizon as they travel to Tallaght on Saturday to face Shamrock Rovers in the competition decider. However there is no-one looking any further than Monday’s 3pm clash.

The Boynesiders have yet to keep a clean sheet in the league, but scoring goals isn’t a problem for Mick Cooke’s men. They have netted 19 goals this season, three more than their opponents on Monday.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

The games are coming thick and fast for everyone in the Premier Division, but not many teams have a schedule like Pats as Monday is their second of six away games in quick succession.

The Saints travel to Drogheda on the back of a strong 2-0 win away to Cork on Friday. Anto Flood and John Russell struck to seal the win which moved Pats to within three points of the summit, but the goal difference and the fact Sligo and Derry play each other on Monday means that if they do beat Drogheda they won’t go top.

Speaking ahead of the Drogheda game, Buckley admits that he is expecting a tight game with very little separating the sides over the 90 minutes.  “Every game in the league is always a challenge, but going up to Drogheda will be very difficult as Mick has done a great job in his time with Drogheda,” Buckley told stpatsfc.com.

“He’s got them to the Setanta Cup final this year and their form has been good lately so we’ll need to play well again to get a result there.  Games between both sides have been really tight over the past 18 months or so and I’d expect it to be no different on Monday.”

In team news, Buckley reports that he has a full squad to select from, meaning that both Shane McFaul and Christy Fagan are in line for their 50th appearance for the Saints in all competitions.

Referee: Tomas Connolly

MATCH STATS

Pats have only conceded seven goals in the league in comparison to Drogheda who have shipped 16.

Pats have kept five clean sheets this season.

Pats have played 14 games in all competitions while Drogheda have been a bit more stretched with 18 games.

BETTING

Drogheda United 12/5, Draw 11/5, St Pats 11/10

PREDICTION

Games between the sides are tough to call, but I think that Pats will edge it 2-1

Drogheda United

Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

St Patrick's Athletic

Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.