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

DUNDALK 

Dundalk captain John Mountney has called on his teammates to change the narrative surrounding the Lilywhites this season ahead of tonight’s game against St Pat’s (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Co Louth side parted ways with boss Stephen O’Donnell earlier this week after slumping to a 4-1 loss against Derry City last Friday.

“Last week’s result in Derry was very disappointing,” Mountney said. 

“We have to take responsibility, the lads who took the pitch, myself included, it just wasn’t good enough. It’s as simple as that. 

“We just didn’t serve up a performance that was good enough to go and get anything.

“People come up to Oriel and look forward to their Friday nights. Obviously the whole mindset at the minute is very negative but the only people who can change that is us on the pitch. 

“The fans are spending their hard earned money to come to Oriel Park and they’re not happy with how it has been so we need to give them something, starting with Pat’s on Friday night, that they can really get behind and sort of believe in.”

Ciaran McGuckin and Andy Boyle are rated as doubts for Dundalk.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Pat’s boss Jon Daly hopes his men can build on recent wins over Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers when they visit Dundalk on Friday night. 

The Saints defeated the Hoops 2-1 last weekend after beating the Bit O’Red 3-0 just a few days before.

“We are all looking forward to the game,” Daly said. “We’re coming into it off the back of two positive results against Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers but know that Oriel Park is a tough venue to go to.

“We will need to be on top of our game to get maximum points.

“Dundalk have recently parted company with Stephen O’Donnell, so it makes the preparation a little more difficult for us.
“They had a certain way of playing that we could plan for, now it’s a little unknown as they may try something different. 

“We’ve focused on ourselves this week and what we can bring to the game and will need to adapt in game to whatever is thrown at us.”

Referee: Gavin Colfer. 

PREDICTION 

Dundalk 0-2 St Patrick’s Athletic

Dundalk

Injured: None

Doubtful: Ciaran McGuckin, Andy Boyle.

Suspended: None.

St Patrick’s Athletic 

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.