League Preview: St Patrick's Athletic -v- Finn Harps

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

Following a disappointing defeat at home to Derry City on Bank Holiday Monday evening, St Patrick’s Athletic host Finn Harps on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Saints left Richmond Park without a point as the Candystripes departed Inchicore with a comprehensive two-nil win.

Prior to their defeat on Monday, Stephen O’Donnell’s charges secured an impressive point away to Dundalk on the Friday.  

“We've a game to look forward to and the good thing is we don't have too much time to dwell on Monday's result,” O’Donnell told his club’s media team.

“Finn Harps coming down is going to be a tough test. They're a big physical team and will pose a big threat.

“The lads have trained well since Monday, recovered mainly and everyone's looking forward to it and aware that our home record needs to be better.

“We need to start winning games at home and need to make Richmond a fortress.”

The Athletic are likely to have a fully fit to choose from ahead of the visit of Ollie Horgan’s side to Richmond Park.

FINN HARPS

Basement battlers Finn Harps make their second trip to the capital in the space of a week to take on St. Patrick’s Athletic on Friday evening.

Harps previous trip to the capital saw them come out on the wrong side of a 3-1 defeat to Shamrock Rovers.

Tricky winger Karl O’Sullivan netted to give the Co. Donegal side a fighting chance but it was to no avail as the Hoops ran out comfortable winners.

Harps’ most recent clash saw them suffer defeat at home to ten-man Shelbourne – as Ryan Brennan netted a first-half header.

“We would have hoped to get something out of Shelbourne but now all attention goes to Friday,” goalkeeper Mark McGinley told his club’s media team. “It's a good thing and a bad thing, the games coming thick and fast.

“We don’t have too long to dwell on the last game but it's important we put in a good performance now on Friday and cut out the mistakes.

“If we can do that, we’ve a chance of taking something from the game.”

In terms of team news for Harps. Leo Donnellan is rated as doubtful after picking up a knock during the defeat against Shelbourne.

Stephen Folan may be in line to make his Finn Harps debut while Mark Timlin remains out with a long-term injury.

Referee: Sean Grant.

MATCH STATS

St Patrick’s Athletic have only won once at home in the Premier Division since beating Sligo Rovers in August of last year. Their last home league win came against Neale Fenn’s Cork City.

Ollie Horgan’s Finn Harps are winless in their previous five league games, drawing once and losing four games since their win over Sligo Rovers in February.

The Co. Donegal side have conceded five goals away from home in three games this season, while the Saints have conceded three goals in as many games at home so far.

BETTING

St Patrick’s Athletic 4/9; Draw 13/5; Finn Harps 6/1.

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 2 - 0 Finn Harps

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: Mark Timlin.

Doubtful: Leo Donnellan.

Suspended: None.