League Preview: St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Seán O'Connor
• Thu, Mar 03 2022




ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

After two consecutive defeats, Tim Clancy’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways against the Champions on Friday night.

The Saints opening night win over Shelbourne was followed by two defeats in three days. Last Friday, goals from Sligo's Colm Horgan and ex-Saint Aidan Keena denied Clancy a first home win. On Monday, Stephen Mallon’s second half strike proved to be the difference as Bohemians avenged last year's cup final defeat.

The two sides met just three weeks ago in the President’s Cup final. New signing Eoin Doyle opened the scoring in the second half before Ronan Finn equalised. The final went to penalties, and stood at 2-2 before Chris Forrester missed his spot kick, as he also did in November’s FAI Cup final. Jack Byrne netted the winning penalty as Rovers picked up their first President’s Cup.

St Pat’s manager Tim Clancy previewed Friday’s game with his club’s media team.

"It's going to be a tough game,” Clancy said.

“Our results last weekend aainst Sligo and Bohs were not great, we're looking for a better performance on Friday against Shamrock Rovers.

“We know it’s going to be a difficult game and it’s one we’re definitely looking forward to. The first goal in these games is very important. We’re looking to be more solid at the back and we’ve got to create more chances going forward.”

“The support has been amazing since the start of the season so we’re looking to put on a performance that matches them. It looks like it will be a sell out again so we are looking forward to it. We'll be looking to give them something to cheer about this week.”

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Champions have had a tricky start to the season too. A routine opening night win over newly-promoted UCD got their season up and running, before the Hoops suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Derry City last Friday.

Much of the talk surrounding the league this year is about who will challenge Rovers for the title. After recent significant investment, and an outstanding transfer window, many expect Derry City to really put it up to Stephen Bradley’s side.

That proved to be the case in the Brandywell, as Derry matched Rovers all over the pitch, before Jamie McGonigle’s 95th minute winner sent the home fans wild.

Rovers got back to winning ways on Monday, with a 3-1 home win against Drogheda United. Sean Gannon and Jack Byrne opened the scoring in the first half, before Graham Burke’s late strike sealed all three points.

Shamrock Rovers Head Coach Stephen Bradley spoke to the club’s media ahead of the Dublin derby.

“I think we're in a different position to where we were in that game in the President's Cup,” Bradley said.

“We've played another three games and we're starting to get into our stride. Still not there but starting to get there. We're a different team and we're ready for a good game, a difficult game but we're looking forward to it."

"We know it's a tough place to go, it'll be a full house I'm sure. We've been good there the last few years and I expect tomorrow to be no different. It'll be difficult but we're in a good place and we're going there ready to win the game."

Referee: Rob Harvey

MATCH STATS

Last season, the sides drew 1-1 in March before Rovers won the remaining three league meetings.

The Saints have not beaten Shamrock Rovers since May 2018, in a 2-0 win at Richmond Park.

St. Pat’s have conceded six goals in their opening three games, compared to Rovers' three.

Graham Burke leads the goalscoring charts for Rovers with two goals, while Mark Doyle, Darragh Burns, Jason McClelland and Tunde Owolabi have all scored once this season.

PREDICTION:

St. Patrick’s Athletic 1 - 2 Shamrock Rovers

St. Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Paddy Barrett

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Chris McCann, Sean Kavanagh, Neil Farrugia

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

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