St Patrick's Athletic -v- Shamrock Rovers
Credit:
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC
Third placed Saint Patrick’s Athletic will host Setanta Cup winners Shamrock Rovers in the Airtricity League Premier Division at Richmond Park on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45 pm).
Pats, who have lost twice in the league so far this season, know that victory will move them to within one point of leaders Sligo Rovers. Manager Liam Buckley has a full squad to choose from ahead of Tuesday night's game.
Speaking to stpatsfc.com, Saints’ skipper Conor Kenna revealed that he is hoping that his side can play better than they did when they lost 3-0 at Tallaght Stadium earlier in the season. “A few results went our way over the weekend, so we need to take advantage of that if we can, as otherwise it’ll mean nothing. We know that last time out against Rovers we didn’t play well as a group or individually so we’re hoping to put that right on Tuesday,” Kenna admitted.
“They had a good win on Saturday in the Setanta Sports Cup against Drogheda so their confidence will be high. But we know we just have to worry about ourselves as if we perform to our ability, we have a very good chance.”
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Shamrock Rovers should be approaching the trip to Inchicore with confidence after back to back victories against Dundalk in the league and their 7-1 thrashing of Drogheda United in the Setanta Cup Final on Saturday.
Despite the fact that left back Conor Powell (ankle) has resumed training, he will not be available for the game against the Saints. Striker Mark Quigley is also a doubt with a hamstring injury after coming off on Saturday against Drogheda. Lorcan Shannon (foot) is also a doubt.
Hoops manager Trevor Croly told the Shamrock Rovers website that his squad are completely focused on Tuesday night's game after Saturday's celebrations. “This is a big game for us and we are very determined to do well in it. We were delighted to win the Setanta Sports Cup final on Saturday, but we were even more delighted with the performance and the convincing nature of the win.
“But the final is over, the cup is in the cabinet and we are now focused on the St Pat’s game and playing as well as we did on Saturday again on Tuesday night. The players enjoyed the win, but all minds are now on what we know will be a tough game in Inchicore.”
Referee: Graham Kelly.
MATCH STATS
This will be the second time that Saint Patricks Athletic and Shamrock Rovers will meet in the league this season. In their previous encounter on March 15th Rovers won 3-0.
Saint Patricks Athletic striker Anto Flood has played for eight other clubs including Orebro in Sweden.
Shamrock Rovers centre back Jason McGuinness has won league medals with both Bohemians and Sligo Rovers.
BETTING
Saint Patricks Athletic 11/8, Draw 11/5, Shamrock Rovers 15/8.
PREDICTION
Saint Patricks Athletic 1-1 Shamrock Rovers.
Saint Patricks Athletic
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Conor Powell (ankle).
Doubtful: Mark Quigley, Lorcan Shannon.
Suspended: None.
