League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- St. Patrick’s Athletic

Pico Lopes of Shamrock Rovers and Noah Lewis of St Patrick's Athletic after the full time whistle in their 2-2 draw in Tallaght earlier this season

Pico Lopes of Shamrock Rovers and Noah Lewis of St Patrick's Athletic after the full time whistle in their 2-2 draw in Tallaght earlier this season Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The four sides competing in Europe face off against each other on Monday night as Shamrock Rovers host St Patrick’s Athletic in Tallaght Stadium (kick-off 8pm) while Derry City play Dundalk.

Rovers claimed top spot in the Premier Division following a routine victory on Friday against UCD. Goals from Trevor Clarke, Aaron Greene and an own goal proved too much for the Students who lost their 14th consecutive league game against the Hoops.

Stephen Bradley’s side are currently on a five-game winning streak. The last time they dropped points was at home to Shelbourne on the 10th of March. They have also kept six consecutive clean sheets away from home – winning their last five on the road – both club records.

“We’re delighted,” said Stephen Bradley about his team’s defensive performance when speaking to shamrockrovers.ie. “We looked at last year and we know we were really strong at home and have been the last few years, but our away form, we felt we didn’t pick up enough points on the road.

“We feel we could be better in that department and so far, this year we have been. Our home form has always been strong but it always helps when you’re winning games away from home. It’s good to get both records and long may it continue.”

The Hoops are still without their number-one goalkeeper Alan Mannus for the match-up with Pats. The Northern Ireland international will be sidelined for a number of weeks.

“Jack (Byrne) will be back for Monday. He picked up a knock against Derry and played with it against Bohs. He didn’t train last week because of that and he was left out against UCD, but he’s come through his work over the weekend just fine so he’ll be back.”

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC



The Saints have hit form recently under interim manager Jon Daly with back-to-back wins over Drogheda United and Cork City in the last ten days.

A Chris Forrester double helped the Saints past Drogheda United in a 3-0 victory on Friday, a game that was closer than the scoreline might suggest.

Stephen Bradley speaking about the Saints said: “They’re slightly different in how they’re setting up and how they’re playing. There are different tactical tweaks to what they’re trying to do.

“But one thing that hasn’t changed for Pat’s, no matter who their manager is, is that they have some very good individuals. Young (Adam) Murphy has been very good, and they have Chris Forrester and Jake Mulraney so they have real quality in the attacking part of the pitch.”

A win for Pats could see them climb to fourth in the table.

Referee: Damien MacGraith



MATCH STATS

Rovers are unbeaten in five meetings between the teams, winning four and drawing once. St Pat's last victory came back in March 2022, with Chris Forrester the scorer in a 1-0 win.

As well as becoming St Pats youngest ever player to play in the League of Ireland, 15-year-old Mason Melia became the third youngest ever debutant in the League of Ireland.

The Hoops are the Premier Division top scorers with 31, Pats are second with 24.

Rovers have kept the most clean sheets in the league with eight – all coming in the last 11 games.

BETTING

Home 4/7; Draw 13/5; Away 9/2

PREDICTION

2-1 home win

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Alan Mannus, Simon Power, Liam Burt, Dylan Watts.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Trevor Clarke

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Joe Redmond, Danny Rodgers,

Doubtful: Axel Sjoberg, Harry Brockbank

Suspended: None.

 

Additional reporting by Macdara Ferris

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