St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Derry City
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St. Patrick’s Athletic welcome Derry City to Richmond Park this evening (Kick off 7.45 pm) in this European qualification six pointer. The Dublin club trail the northerners by four points with just two games left to play, a home win is a must if Pete Mahon’s St. Pats are to keep their European dream alive.
The Saints will look to bounce back from Monday’s disappointing cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Shelbourne, continuing their much publicised 50 year wait for FAI Cup glory. The Candystripes can secure their European place with just a point, all three points would keep their slim hopes of claiming a third league title alive.
Pete Mahon’s side will be without Gary Rogers, the goalkeeper serving a one game ban following his sending off against Shelbourne on Monday night. Sean O’Connor also misses out through injury, the midfielder is ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury sustained against UCD earlier this month.
Derry City will definitely be without Eddie McCallion and Gareth McGlynn, both players suffering from calf injuries. Owen Morrison is also ruled out. Patrick McEleney, Shane McEleney and Stewart Greacen will all face late fitness tests before Stephen Kenny finalises his team selection.
"Europe would be a huge prize for the players - it would be a big thing, massive for the club, with serious financial rewards," said Derry manager Stephen Kenny.
"We won't be playing for a draw - we'll be positive and try to score goals. We will take the game to them and make sure we defend well when we need to. This will be a tough game as St Pat's have only lost one match at home this season."
"They have to beat us to have a chance of qualifying for Europe themselves so we need to rediscover the edge in our play," added Derry boss Kenny.
This season’s three previous fixtures between these two sides have seen two draws and a win for Derry, that win coming via a 2-0 win at the Brandywell back in August. Both goals on the night bizarrely own goals from Pat’s Dave Mulcahy and Brian Shorthall.
St. Patrick’s Athletic
Injured: Sean O’Connor.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Gary Rogers.
Derry City
Injured: Eddie McCallion, Gareth McGlynn and Owen Morrison.
Doubtful: Patrick McEleney, Shane McEleney and Stewart Greacen.
Suspended: None.
Referee: Damien Hancock.
Paddy Power Odds: St.Pat’s 15/8, Draw 11/5, Derry 11/8.
Extratime prediction: Score draw which will see Derry qualify for europe, 1-1.
