League Preview: Derry City -v- St Patrick's Athletic
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DERRY CITY
Derry City will face St. Patrick’s Athletic this Friday night (7:45pm) with the incentive of continuing their recent revival of form with victories against Malahide United and Limerick coming in the last week.
The chance of gaining a European place, via the league, for next season is looking ever so unlikely for the Candystripes however a strong finish to the season accompanied with a good cup run or possibly cup win would see Derry get the European place that they so desperately want.
Speaking before the clash on Friday night, Derry manager Peter Hutton had this to say:
"Monday night was a very much complete performance from the lads. It was a game in which every one of the fifteen lads played their part in what was a very good night for us.”
“Having said that, it is vital that we carry that momentum into Friday evening's game against St Pats.”
“The last game in Richmond Park is better forgotten, we certainly helped them on that night with all five goals. We were the architects of our own downfall. I felt we were poor and naive, but having said that we saw what was wrong with the setup and we have certainly progressed since then and it will be very much a different game.”
“St Pats have a fantastic side with an excellent squad of players. I'm sure Liam Buckley won't be happy with the postponement of Tuesday evening’s game against Shelbourne as it means they have to fit it in next week, but the fact that they will be rested will be a relief I'm sure. But hopefully come full time tomorrow evening we will have kept our good run going".
Derry will be without Cliff Byrne who is still out having injured his medial ligament along with Danny Ventre who hasn’t recovered from the knee injury that has kept him out of previous fixtures. Derry will also have Rory Patterson and Patrick McEleney unavailable for selection. The former is troubled with a back injury and the latter is suffering from a viral infection.
ST. PATRICK’S ATHLETIC
The reigning champions will make the long trip to the Brandywell to face Derry with the aim of cementing their top 4 finish this season and possibly resurrecting their continually fading title hopes.
Liam Buckley’s men have been rather hit and miss of late however they will be looking to form one more final push as we fast approach the home straight of this year’s campaign.
The Saints will be without Greg Bolger who is out through suspension and will be waiting on the fitness of Derek Forlan who picked up an ankle injury in the game against Shelbourne.
Referee: Padraigh Sutton
MATCH STATS
The two previous meetings this season ended 0-0 and 5-2 in favour of The Saints
St. Patrick’s Christy Fagan is the league’s top goal scorer this season scoring 16 goals with Derry’s closest competitor being Michael Duffy who has accumulated 11 goals.
The Candystripes have gained all three points at home five times in their 12 games thus far. With St. Pat’s having only won three out of their 13 games on the road this season.
BETTING
Derry City 21/10; Draw 11/5; St. Patrick’s Athletic 5/4
PREDICTION
It should be an extremely close encounter at the Brandywell but I have an inkling that Derry will just come out on top. A 1-0 home win.
Derry City
Injured: Danny Ventre (Knee), Cliff Byrne (Medial Ligament)
Doubtful: Patrick McEleney (Viral Infection), Rory Patterson (Back problem)
Suspended: None
St. Patrick’s Athletic
Injured: None
Doubtful: Derek Forlan
Suspended: Greg Bolger
