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

• John O'Shea
• Fri, Sep 05 2014




ST PATRICKS ATHLETIC

St Patrick's Athletic will be hoping to put a halt to Dundalk’s charge towards the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division title on Friday night, when the sides clash at Richmond Park.


2013 champions St Pats are still the current holders of the league title and they have plenty of incentives to win this match. They are just 5 points behind Cork City in 2nd place and just 2 ahead of Shamrock Rovers, so the Saints will need a few more victories if they are to ensure European football for next season.

 

Though it may look like a long shot, a victory on Friday night would give St Pats a slim chance of retaining their league title.

 

Speaking ahead of the game, Saints midfielder Killian Brennan said “Dundalk are the team to catch and we still feel they are catchable. But we have to go and beat them tonight. That’s the bottom line, we need the three points.”

 

Pats welcome back suspended pair of Ian Bermingham and Derek Foran for the game, as Pats have a full squad to choose from.


 

DUNDALK

Dundalk will be seeking to take a major step towards their first Premier Division  title since  1994/1995 on Friday night, when they make the trip to Dublin to take on last season’s league winners St Patrick’s Athletic .

 

Dundalk are now 6 points ahead of nearest rivals Cork City in the league table and they now know that their destiny lies within their own hands.

 

The Lilywhites have played some brilliant football throughout the season, with their attractive style of attacking football winning many admirers.

 

Last time out showed the strong character that Stephen Kenny’s side possesses as they came from 2-1 down to beat Bohemians 3-2 at Oriel Park. The goals on the night came through Andy Boyle and a second half brace from David McMillan.

 

This weekend could be a season defining one for Dundalk, as after the game with St Pats on Friday night, they play Derry City at home on Monday night. That league game has been rearranged because of Dundalk’s involvement in the EA Sports Cup.

 

Speaking ahead on Friday night’s clash, manager Stephen Kenny said that he and his side are looking forward to the battle that awaits them against St Pats.

 

“Going to Richmond Park, we know how well that they are. They don’t lose many down there so it’s a difficult place to go. They’re a very good side. From our point of view, we are playing with a lot of confidence. Scoring goals and defending very well which is encouraging. We’ve had a good week and we’re ready for the match.”

 

For the match itself, Dundalk will be without injured captain Stephen O'Donnell but he has taken a huge step in his recovery and is now back in training following  his knee injury back in April. Simon Kelly is also ruled out with a calf strain.

 

Referee:    Paul McLaughlin

 

 

MATCH STATS  

The last time Dundalk lost in the Premier Division was back in April, when they went down 1-0 away to Bray Wanderers.

 

Dundalk currently have a goal difference of (+38), that is double that of 2nd placed Cork City (+19), while St Pats have a goal difference of  (+22).

 

Almost 12 months ago to the date, St Pats faced off against Dundalk at Richmond Park in a game which proved to be crucial in the title race.  St Pats won the game 2-0 and they went on to win the league while Dundalk ended up finishing in 2nd place.


 

BETTING   

St Patricks Athletic 17/10; Draw 23/10; Dundalk 7/5.


PREDICTION     

St Patricks Athletic 1-1 Dundalk.


 

St Patricks Athletic

Injured:   None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

 

Dundalk

Injured:  Stephen O Donnell

Doubtful:  Simon Kelly

Suspended:   None