St Patrick's Athletic -v- Dundalk

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Pats remain unbeaten for the season, but after last Fridays result away to Bray, in a game they were fancied to win, Liam Buckley’s men will look to get right back on track after two successive draws.

The Inchicore club have performed well thus far, but with the middle of the season fast approaching, The Saints will hope to keep their unbeaten run going. James Chambers and Mark Rossiter are both definitely out for St Pats while Darren Meenan, Sean O’Connor and Stephen O’Flynn all doubtful.

Liam Buckley told stpatsfc.com that he was pleased with the performance on Friday night. “I was pleased with our performance on Friday and the equaliser coming so late was disappointing but, as I keep saying, there are no easy three points in the league and Dundalk will be no different.”

Friday night was the first time that an impressive St Pats back-line had been breached more than once in the league this season, and defender Ger O’Brien is hoping for an improvement on Monday.

"I felt we played well on Friday night but conceding three when we had only conceded four in the first series of games was disappointing. The performance was good though and we left Bray feeling like we'd dropped two points. We had a settled side for the first series of games but have picked up a few injuries in recent weeks but that's why we need a strong squad. We have a good squad and I've no doubt that the lads who are there can come in and do a good job.” Speaking to stpatsfc.com O’Brien added, “"If we perform like we did on Friday against Dundalk, and keep it tighter at the back, I think we'll have a good chance of coming away with three points.”

DUNDALK

Dundalk’s season has not gone according to plan thus far, and they are staring down the barrel of five successive league defeats, if they are beaten by St Pats on Monday Night.

Luke Danville is out for the Lilywhites with an ankle injury, whilst Liam Burns is doubtful for the game as he is ill.

Sean McCaffrey bemoaned his defensive players performances on Friday’s defeat to Monaghan. “"We gave them the two chances. They didn't create anything. They were handed to them and even with that we had two or three chances we should have put away and we didn't. It's as simple as that. Defensively we were poor again. We've conceded more goals than any team in the league so our problems are defensive. Today it was concentration because we defended well in the first half but those two goals were shocking goals to give away."

The 52 year old also gave his thoughts on “structure” at a club as opposed to cheque book success. “"We have a bigger budget (than Bray Wanderers, Drogheda, Monaghan United) for definite? I'm sure nobody is getting paid cash. The other thing is that when we have a young team we need time. It's about building a structure in the club that we've got a good side and a good system of young players through that we push players on and other players taking their place. If you want short term success, take out the cheque book."

Referee:      

MATCH STATS     

St Pats will be looking to achieve two wins from two games against Dundalk thus far this season.

Dundalk are currently averaging the least amount of goals per game in the Airtricity League, just 0.5 per game or 1 goal every 2 games.

The Lilywhites have not beaten St Pats in the league since 24^th September, 2010.

BETTING   

Home 1/5; Draw 9/2; Dundalk 11/1.

PREDICTION

St Pat’s will be too strong for a struggling Dundalk side. If Liam Buckley’s men have their shooting boots on, it could be a big win for the Inchicore side. St Pat’s to win 2-0.

St Pats Injury News: James Chambers, (Knee), Mark Rossiter (Knee), Sean O’Connor (Groin, doubtful) Stephen O’Flynn (Thigh, doubtful) Darren Meenan (Shoulder, doubtful).

St Pats Suspension News: None.

Dundalk Injury News:  Luke Danville (Ankle) Liam Burns (Illness, doubtful).

Dundalk Suspension News: None.