St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Krylia Sovetov
Credit:
St.Patrick’s Athletic’s heroics away to Maltese side Valletta FC saw them rewarded with an even tougher test in the Europa League 3rd qualifying round 1st leg as they take on the might of Krylia Sovetov of Russia at Richmond Park on Thursday July 30th (Kick Off: 7:45 PM).
Declan O’Brien’s last gasp winner sent the ten man Inchicore side through to the next round in the most unlikely of circumstances and O’Brien and his colleagues are going to have to perform near miracles this time round to progress past a team boasting the likes of Czech legend Jan Koller and former Chelsea, Birmingham and Celtic midfielder Jiri Jarosik.
Saint’s manager Jeff Kenna has been making all the right noises in the build up to game, highlighting the importance of just competing in such a high profile game for the club: “For me as a manager and for the players it’s great to be involved in European nights like this, it will be difficult job for us but we’ll be positive and we’ll be up for it on the night.”
Kenna was also quick the stress the imperative nature of keeping a clean sheet at home against the Russians to avoid the obvious dangers of going to Samara having to take the game to their powerful opponents: “Whether we counter their play or play our own game it’s important that we don’t concede a goal. We’d love to score but it will be a difficult task in itself going over there so it’s important to keep the tie alive.”
With the League of Ireland in such financial peril, Kenna could not help but look on in envy at the wealth of teams from Russia’s Premier-Liga but was not to be deterred in his belief that his cash strapped Pat’s side can give Koller and co. a run for their money: “They are a really good side with plenty of internationals and with the support of a fantastic budget but as I say - we’ll be up for it”
The former Republic of Ireland international will unquestionably have been boosted in the build up to the game with the news that long-term absentees Mark Leech and Gary Dempsey have resumed full training and could play some part in the tie though both are particularly unlikely to start.
Striker Mark Quigley (Jaw) and winger Gint Friemanis (hand) remain sidelined however.
Taking on the might of such illustrious opponents will have supporters, management and players, not to mention beleaguered board members, crossing their fingers and toes that Pat’s can pull off a shock result though anything better can keeping the score line respectable will be very difficult for the Dubliners.
Extratime.ie Prediction: St.Pat’s 1- 2 Krylia Sovetov
Declan O’Brien’s last gasp winner sent the ten man Inchicore side through to the next round in the most unlikely of circumstances and O’Brien and his colleagues are going to have to perform near miracles this time round to progress past a team boasting the likes of Czech legend Jan Koller and former Chelsea, Birmingham and Celtic midfielder Jiri Jarosik.
Saint’s manager Jeff Kenna has been making all the right noises in the build up to game, highlighting the importance of just competing in such a high profile game for the club: “For me as a manager and for the players it’s great to be involved in European nights like this, it will be difficult job for us but we’ll be positive and we’ll be up for it on the night.”
Kenna was also quick the stress the imperative nature of keeping a clean sheet at home against the Russians to avoid the obvious dangers of going to Samara having to take the game to their powerful opponents: “Whether we counter their play or play our own game it’s important that we don’t concede a goal. We’d love to score but it will be a difficult task in itself going over there so it’s important to keep the tie alive.”
With the League of Ireland in such financial peril, Kenna could not help but look on in envy at the wealth of teams from Russia’s Premier-Liga but was not to be deterred in his belief that his cash strapped Pat’s side can give Koller and co. a run for their money: “They are a really good side with plenty of internationals and with the support of a fantastic budget but as I say - we’ll be up for it”
The former Republic of Ireland international will unquestionably have been boosted in the build up to the game with the news that long-term absentees Mark Leech and Gary Dempsey have resumed full training and could play some part in the tie though both are particularly unlikely to start.
Striker Mark Quigley (Jaw) and winger Gint Friemanis (hand) remain sidelined however.
Taking on the might of such illustrious opponents will have supporters, management and players, not to mention beleaguered board members, crossing their fingers and toes that Pat’s can pull off a shock result though anything better can keeping the score line respectable will be very difficult for the Dubliners.
Extratime.ie Prediction: St.Pat’s 1- 2 Krylia Sovetov
About Eoin Manning
Eoin Manning has been a part of the extratime.ie reporting team since 2009 and covers the Dublin clubs. Eoin also writes for many of the countries national newspapers and can be contacted at eoinpmanning@gmail.com View Full Profile