League Preview: St. Patrick’s Athletic -v- Waterford

SAINT PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

The Saints are seeking to join Shamrock Rovers at the top of the table on Friday if they can beat the Blues in Richmond Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Athletic trail the Hoops by three points having played a game more with the team from Tallaght not playing till they take a trip to Drogheda on Sunday on Rovers’ return from Albania.

Stephen O’Donnell’s side have four wins from their last five games – their one defeat being to Shamrock Rovers but if they can claim all three points against Waterford it will put pressure on the Hoops who are still juggling their league, cup and European commitments.

"Waterford have won four in a row in the league and obviously advanced in the cup too,” said Saints Head Coach Stephen O’Donnell as he spoke about the opposition on Friday.

“I was down at their game against Bohemians on Saturday and they fully deserved their win. They could have won by a couple more, so we know what we are going to encounter.

“Marc Bircham has added strength in the summer window that has improved them and the form since he has come in has been every good. We will have to be at our best or somewhere close to our best to get anything from the game because Waterford are the form team in the league coming into this game."

“Our form has been good since fans came back in and that's no coincidence. I keep going back to the Derry game when we really needed that bit of extra support when we were down to ten men in the last half hour and they really helped us get over the line. 

Last time out the Saints had a comprehensive 4-1 win in Oriel Park against Dundalk. Nahum Melvin-Lambert's scored the opener before Patrick Hoban equalised for the Lilywhites 25 minutes in. But Matty Smith put the Saints 1-0 up just before the break and then a a second-half Chris Forrester penalty and another Smith goal wrapped up the win.

“It's always good to be going back into a home game after a positive result on the road (against Dundalk) so it's a game we are very much looking forward to."

WATERFORD

The Blues come to Inchicore bolstered by their fine recent run of results – five wins in a row in all competitions and on the back of a 1-0 home victory over Bohs last weekend earned thanks to a first-half goal from Phoenix Patterson.

When the teams last played in June the game ended in a 1-1 draw at the RSC, whereas earlier in the season the Saints secured a 1-0 win in Richmond Park.

“I was thrilled with the win last week [against Bohemians],” said Blues boss Marc Bircham. “Bohs are a top side and we thoroughly deserved the win. I was delighted for the boys because they’re working so hard and they’re getting their rewards. 

“Friday will bring another challenge to us but it’s one we’re relishing. St. Pat’s are in excellent form too so it should be another good game after their win over Dundalk last weekend. 

“Our form is good and we’ve been playing well so we’re going to play our game as we do and look to win. We’ve got players back from injury and the newer players have settled in so we’re looking forward to the game.”

Bircham will have to deal without Anthony Wordsworth who is suspended and Daryl Murphy and Oscar Brennan who are both still carrying knocks. However, Matthew Connor has returned to training after his recent injury. 

Referee: John McLoughlin

MATCH STATS
The Blues have won seven of their last 13 meetings against St. Patrick’s Athtetic.

Waterford’s last win in Richmond Park came on the opening day of the 2020 season.

PREDICTION
2-1 home win

St. Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Adam Murphy.

Doubtful: John Mountney, Robbie Benson, Darragh Burns, Shane Griffin

Suspended: None.

Waterford

Injured: Daryl Murphy, Oscar Brennan. 

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Anthony Wordsworth.

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— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) August 12, 2021