League Preview: St Patrick's Athletic -v- Sligo Rovers

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Patrick’s Athletic will be looking to get a first win in three games when they welcome Sligo Rovers to Richmond Park on Monday (kick-off 5pm).

The FAI Cup champions have had a tough opening to the Premier Division campaign with just two wins from their opening seven games which sees them sitting in eighth place in the league.

On Friday night the Athletic played out a scoreless draw with Drogheda United, adding to manager Jon Daly’s woes so far this season.

"We're looking forward to being back on the pitch and back at home on Monday,” the manager said, speaking to the club’s website.

 “We understand the frustration, we're frustrated as well that we've not been winning games.

“I've said to the players that we can't feel sorry for ourselves. We need to dust ourselves down and go again tomorrow and make sure we give ourselves the best opportunity with a big, strong crowd behind us to go and get three points against a Sligo side who've started the season well.”

SLIGO ROVERS

As much as the Saints are feeling the pinch so far this season – the Bit O’Red are feeling good about their campaign so far.

Rovers have lost just one game and sit in second place in the Premier Division after seven games.

John Russell’s men secured their third win of the season on Friday night when Ellis Chapmen’s great individual effort separated the side in the 52^nd minute.

“It’s a quick turnaround for us this weekend with back-to-back away fixtures,” Russell said, speaking to the club’s media team.

“After a good result on Friday and after a long trip home we are back on the road again where we now face a tough test when we travel to play a talented St Pat’s team.

 “Richmond Park is always a difficult venue but I have a lot of faith in this group of players. They understand the importance of playing for Sligo Rovers and leaving everything on the pitch. We will need to show that again on Monday to come away with a result.”

Rovers will be without JR Wilson once again as he recovers from a hamstring injury, Simon Power will also miss out on the trip to Dublin due to suspension.

Referee: Paul Norton

MATCH STATS

The side faced each other four times last season with both sides winning two games each.

The Saints have won the last two games between these teams.

BETTING

St Patrick’s Athletic 11/10; Draw 21/10; Sligo Rovers 23/10.

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 0–1 Sligo Rovers

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: JR Wilson.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Simon Power.