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

ST. PATRICKS’S ATHLETIC

The Saints welcome Shamrock Rovers to Richmond Park on Friday night in a crucial game in the race for Europe and the fight to hold on to already slim title hopes. A second Dublin derby in a week will see St. Pats looking to restore some pride after the drubbing they received at the hands of Bohs last weekend.

The topsy-turvy season at Richmond Park continues; every decent result seems to be followed up by an unexpected or disappointing one.

“Pat’s and Rovers is always a great game for the fans as there’s always a great atmosphere be it in Inchicore or Tallaght.  There was little between us last time out and I’d expect it to be the same again on Friday,” Buckley told stpatsfc.com.

“We’re both coming into the game off the back of disappointing results.  From our end we’ll be keen to put things right and get off to a good start in the game.  The fans are always great in a big Dublin Derby with the team so if they again get behind us, hopefully that can help us get over the line and get the three points.” 

Pats will be disappointed to lose Sean Hoare through suspension but pleased Billy Dennehy is back following his one game suspension in a pivotal game for the Saints and manager Liam Buckley.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers make the short trip to Inchicore in a similar vein of form to their opponents. A three game winning streak is the best the Tallaght side have managed this season (on two occasions) and every time they seem to get going they either slip up to a shock result – such as the 2-0 loss to Wexford Youths – or come up against one of the league’s frontrunners.

Their form is being reflected with supporter discontent. Gates averaging around the 3,000 mark at the beginning of the season have slipped to around 1,500 for the last two home games.

This makes Friday’s game, versus direct rivals for Europe and the title (if we cling on to those pre-season ambitions), crucial for Pat Fenlon’s men. Their tight defence will be a good grounding to start on as the Hoops have only conceded 12 league goals.

And, Rob Cornwall told Extratime.ie that he believes the title is still up for grabs: “Yeah, it is still within reach, we still have to face Dundalk and Pats and everyone twice, so it's still up there for us. I think we'll get it anyway.”

Referee: Tomas Connolly

MATCH FACTS

Saints haven’t lost against the Hoops in all competitions since the opening day of the 2015 season when Danny North scored against his old club.

The ties are generally low-scoring affairs with only 13 goals in the last 7 league meetings between the two sides dating back to the 2014 season.

Killian Brennan and Danny North notably line up for Shamrock Rovers on Friday against their former club.

BETTING
St. Patrick’s Athletic 15/8; Draw 2/1; Shamrock Rovers 6/4.

PREDICTION

St. Patrick’s Athletic 2-2 Shamrock Rovers

St. Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Sean Hoare

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Luke Byrne (out for the season), David Webster and Evan Osam

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Gary McCabe

International Duty: Sean Boyd (Ireland U18s)