League Preview: St Patrick’s Athletic -v- UCD

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Patrick’s Athletic will host UCD at Richmond Park on Friday as they look to kick-start their campaign with a second win (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Saints struggled with a lack of form prior to the international break and sit ninth in the table.

But a draw away to Shamrock Rovers prior to the week break has given them a new sense of purpose ahead of UCD’s visit to Inchicore.

And assistant boss Jon Daly is expecting a tough challenge against the Belfield side.

“I've watched all of UCD's games since the start of the season,” he revealed.

“They are bottom of the table without a win so far but they play good football. They've got lots of talented young players in their squad and they definitely pose a threat.

“They are a fit team and are fierce competitors as we saw in the matches against them last season.

“We'll be giving them the respect they are due but we need to make sure we go out and do what we want to do.”

St Patrick’s Athletic boss Tim Clancy will serve a touchline ban – while Harry Brockbank, Tom Grivosti and Danny Rogers miss out through injury.

UCD

Basement battlers UCD head into Friday’s showdown with the Saints looking for their first win of the season.

The Students recorded a morale-boosting point on the opening night of the campaign away to Dundalk.

But five consecutive losses have seen Andy Myler’s young side start to get cut adrift at the bottom of the pile.

However, a result away to St Pat’s would go a long way to getting their campaign motoring in the right direction again.

Saying that, UCD have not won a game at Richmond Park against the Saints since 2001.

Mikey Raggett is expected to be UCD’s sole absentee for the game on Friday night as he continues to nurse an injury.

Referee: Sean Grant.

MATCH STATS

Only UCD have picked up less points than St Patrick’s Athletic this season – with the Saints sitting in 9^th place after a dismal start to the campaign.

The Students however have the worst defensive record in the top-flight with 15 goals conceded in their six games so far.

Tim Clancy’s side have only won once at home so far this season – and that is their only win of the 2023 campaign thus far.

The Athletic won all four of the meetings between the sides last season but never won a game by more than two goals against Andy Myler’s side.

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 2 - 0 UCD

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Danny Rogers, Tom Grivosti, Harry Brockbank.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Tim Clancy (manager).

UCD

Injured: Mikey Raggett.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.