St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Monaghan United

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

The home side are looking to record their third win in a row in the league. Last time out, they recorded a comfortable 2-0 win against Dundalk, who Monaghan drew with on the opening day.

In terms of injuries, only Aidan Price is on the injury list for the Inchicore outfit. Christy Fagan is suspended for an additional game with Jake Kelly returning from suspension to challenge for a place in the Saints attack. Chris Forrester has done his chances no harm with a double against Phoenix FC during the week.

Liam Buckley will be expecting a challenging encounter. Speaking to stpatsfc.com, Buckley said “We’re expecting a tough game from Monaghan. If you look at last week’s matches, Monaghan were leading in Tallaght against Shamrock Rovers at half-time 1-0 and led up till the hour mark. No doubt about it, Monaghan will be a very tricky side to play against as Roddy will have them well organised.

“From our end of things, we’re looking to maintain our good start to the season and continue the little bit of momentum we’ve built up,” Buckley added.

Saints captain Conor Kenna feels that his team should beware of Monaghan’s threat. “Two years ago, we made a great start to the season too. But we just have to take it on a game by game basis really, and then see what we can do as we’re still getting to know each other to be fair,” Kenna told stpatsfc.com.

“With the wins, you’re obviously building in confidence. Our lads are still trying to get to know each other, and the wins help everyone gel together quicker and become more confident as a team in training, but Monaghan are a decent side. They’ll be tough opponents on Friday.”

MONAGHAN UNITED

Monaghan have given a good account of themselves so far this season. Manager Roddy Collins has kept most of his team together and has them well organised. A first day draw with Dundalk was followed by a strong performance in a 3-1 defeat to Shamrock Rovers.

Monaghan are without Willo Mc Donagh, Aidan Collins, Gareth O’ Connor and Shaun Maher. Former Saints youth player Darragh Reynor is suspended for the Mons.

Roddy Collins believes that Saints will provide a stern test as said sendings off and suspension hampered their chances of a win in Tallaght Stadium.

“I was delighted with last week's performance against Shamrock Rovers the injuries and sending off cost us dearly. But nonetheless I was proud that we stayed in contention with a team of Rovers calibre right up until they got the third goal in injury time. The Premier Division is a hard place to get results in. We have another tough outing against St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday.

It’s a good learning curve to be meeting strong teams like Rovers and St Pats so early in the season and it gives us a good understanding of ourselves. Unfortunately we are hit with injuries again for this game, added to that list is Willo McDonagh and anyone who was in Tallaght last week will know how important a player he is to us.  On the positive side I hope to have Robert Bayly and Bobby Ryan available."

Referee: Tom Connolly.

MATCH STATS

The last top flight game between St Pat’s and Monaghan in Inchicore was Kevin Doyle’s St Pats debut. (Nov 2001)

 Dave Campbell, the club’s Head of Player Recruitment, is the club’s top goal scorer against Monaghan United with 3 goals. 
       

Darren Meenan is the only Saint’s player to have ever played with Monaghan.

BETTING

St Patrick's Athletic 3/10; Draw 7/2; Monaghan United 10/1.

PREDICTION

Monaghan to give it a good go, but Pats too strong. Repeat of last week for the Monaghan side, 3-1 Pats.

St Patrick's AthleticInjury News: Aidan Price.

St Patrick's AthleticSuspension News: Christy Fagan.

Monaghan United Injury News: Willo Mc Donagh, Aidan Collins, Gareth O’ Connor and Shaun Maher.
Monaghan United Suspension News: Darragh Reynor.