League Preview: St. Patrick's Athletic - v - Derry City

ST. PATRICKS ATHLETIC

The Saints conclude their league campaigns on Friday night in Richmond Park with Derry City being the visitors for this 7.45 pm kick off.

St. Pats will be without Darren Dennehy, Michael Barker and Lee Desmond and there are doubts over several first-team regulars such as Conor O’Malley and Billy Dennehy.

The hosts will be looking to consolidate their position in the top half of the table although Liam Buckley admits he is not happy with the way the season panned out.

Speaking after the game against Dundalk on Tuesday, Buckley admitted, “We still have a lot of ability in the dressing room and have probably underachieved, that’s my issue. I want to make sure next year that it’s better.

“I have been speaking to Gareth (Kelleher) about the budget for next season and where and what we will do budget-wise and squad-wise. But it will be all worked out over the next week or two.”

It is widely perceived that the Inchicore outfit have underachieved in 2016 so a fast start to the 2017 season will be vital to avoid mounting pressure.

You can read Aaron Gallagher’s interview with Liam Buckley here.

DERRY CITY

Derry boss Kenny Shiels signed a contract extension last week and has been nominated for the PFAI Manager of the Year award, along with Stephen Kenny and Harry Kenny.

Upon signing the contract, Shiels was clearly delighted as he told the club’s website, “I can see the seeds which are being planted and where want to take the club and it’s great to be part of something which is growing.

“I feel positive with the people I work with and there’s very, very good chemistry with the people around the club and that was the biggest influence in mind way of thinking and I think it’s fantastic.”

It has been a great season for both Shiels and the club. Derry finalised a third place finish last weekend and come into this game on the back of consecutive 2-1 home wins over Bohemians and Sligo respectively.

There are no fresh injury concerns or suspensions for the Candystripes to contend with. The visitors are 14 points better off than their hosts and few would have predicted such an outcome in March.

Referee: Rob Rogers.

MATCH STATS      

Derry are unbeaten against St Patrick’s Athletic in the league this season. In May, the Candystripes travelled home with all three points after a 1-0 victory and the sides drew 1-1 in August at the Brandywell.

Derry have only managed to beat Pats two times in 13 matches dating back to an FAI Cup clash at the Brandywell in 2012.

BETTING

St. Pats 13/10; Draw 5/2; Derry 9/5

PREDICTION

St. Patricks Athletic 2-2 Derry City

St. Pats

Injured: Michael Barker, Darren Dennehy, Lee Desmond

Doubtful: Conor O’Malley, Graham Kelly, Billy Dennehy

Suspended: None

Derry City:

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None