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

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Patrick’s Athletic go into Monday’s rearranged game at Richmond Park looking for a win which would be as symbolic as it would significant regarding their league campaign so far.

Pats have somewhat struggled for any real form so far this season, yet a win would see them leapfrog the Hoops and Bohs into third place.

Two good wins on the bounce and the carrot of revenge for an opening day defeat in Tallaght should see St Pats put up a good fight in Inchicore.

The two extra days rest should have given Christy Fagan (knee) and Ger O’Brien (hamstring) time to have recovered as they were due to face late fitness tests on Friday night. Sean Hoare also returns to the squad following his absence through illness.

Conan Byrne, the two goal hero from last weeks’ 4-1 drubbing of Galway United told stpasfc.com: “Last week went really well for me and I was really pleased to get the two goals. However as a team and individually, we've got to repeat that level again and look to do that every week. If we can do that, we can hopefully go on a good run of results."

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Hoops go into this match looking to keep the pressure on high-flying Dundalk. A win would also see Rovers leapfrog fierce rivals Bohs, as well as Cork into second.

The Hoops only have one squad missing in David Webster who hasn’t featured since the win over Bray.

Fenlon told the club's website: “It was good to get a win last weekend to see out the first series of games, and we are pleased to be at the right end of the table as we get set for the next round.

“This is obviously a big game, as Dublin derby matches always are, and we are all very much looking forward to it. We beat St Pat's in the first fixture of the season and we'll be keen to replicate that result this weekend."

Referee: David McKeon.

MATCH FACTS

This seasons earlier meeting saw a 1-0 win for Shamrock Rovers in extremely windy conditions, Danny North scoring the only goal.

The sides met three times in the league last year, with the sides trading home and away victories before the final game at Richmond Park finished a goal apiece. Pat's also beat Rovers on their way to winning the Leinster Senior Cup.

BETTING

St Patrick’s Athletic 13/10, Draw 2/1, Shamrock Rovers 23/10.

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 1-1 Shamrock Rovers

St Patrick's Athletic

Injured: Cyril Guedje (hamstring).

Doubtful: Christy Fagan (knee), Ger O'Brien (hamstring).

Suspended: None.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Dave Webster (ankle).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.