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

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

European rivals St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk go head to head at Richmond Park on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

After claiming three wins in their last four games, the Athletic have appointed former interim boss Jon Daly as their permanent successor to now former chief Tim Clancy.

And Friday’s game in Inchicore will be his first in the dugout as their permanent gaffer as he puts his own stamp on things at Richmond Park.

“We've been happy with our performances over the last four games and have picked up three important wins,” Daly said this week.

“The attitude of the players has been excellent and we'll be looking to keep that going, starting on Friday against Dundalk in front of another big crowd at Richmond Park.

“Our supporters have been fantastic, as they showed again at Tolka Park on Friday.

“It makes a huge difference to the players on the pitch and we are looking forward to being back at home in Inchicore on Friday."

Joe Redmond remains out injured, while Ireland under-17 duo Mason Melia and Luke Kehir are unavailable due to their international commitments.

DUNDALK

Stephen O’Donnell’s Dundalk will be hoping that they can draw on their last success against the Saints when they visit Dublin 8.

In their last outing against one another at Oriel Park, the Lilywhites romped to a 5-0 win against the then Tim Clancy managed side.

However, Dundalk’s form has been patchy since then – although they are ahead of the Saints on goal difference.

“Richmond is always a tough place to go,” said the Dundalk boss O’Donnell.

“They have won three of their last four games and any team that possesses good quality and good offensive players are going to be a threat and Pat’s are one of those teams.

“We’re looking forward to it. We always have good support at Richmond Park and the fans have been brilliant.

“From a development point of view and from where we are project-wise, there will be bumps along the way but there have been enough moments to suggest that as we go on we’ll go from strength to strength.

“I’m really excited about where we are going.”

Darragh Leahy, Greg Sloggett and Rayhaan Tulloch are back in contention while Andy Boyle and Louie Annesley are making good progress with their recoveries.

Robbie Benson, John Mountney and Anthony Moyo are injured.

Referee: Ray Matthews.

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 2-0 Dundalk

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Joe Redmond.

Doubtful: None.

Unavailable: Mason Melia, Luke Kehir.

Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured: Louie Annesley, Andy Boyle, Robbie Benson, John Mountney, Anthony Moyo.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.