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

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Patrick’s Athletic host Bohemians in their final game of the season needing a win – and for other results to go their way – to secure fourth and a potential European spot (kick-off 7.30pm).

The Saints need three points and for Waterford to lose at Finn Harps, as well as Sligo Rovers failing to win at Dundalk, to seal a top four finish.

Stephen O’Donnell’s side earned a point away to champions Shamrock Rovers in their last game, mirroring the result when the sides faced at Richmond Park in September.

"We are coming into Monday's game off the back of two good performances recently,” O’Donnell told the club’s media team. 

“I thought we deserved the points against Dundalk and we again played very well against Shamrock Rovers on Wednesday. 

“We just couldn't get the goal to get us in front, but I was really pleased the players' application and overall performance.

"We know there is a lot to play for still heading into the Bohemians game.  We can still finish in fourth position and are aware of what that could mean. 

“The club have a poor record against Bohs in the past few seasons so we are aware that we need to change that and we will be going out to get a result and finish the season on a high."

Darragh Markey is the only absentee for the game with injury.

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will take to the field for the first time in 11 days as they round off their league campaign with a short trip across the Liffey.

Keith Long’s side are guaranteed second place regardless of results but will hope to sign off with a win following a disappointing defeat to Finn Harps last time out.

Goals in either half from Mark Russell saw Harps to a shock 2-0 victory at Dalymount Park last time out, a result that saw Cork City relegated.

The Gypsies will be without Rob Cornwall due to an ankle problem but Long has an otherwise full squad to choose from.

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

MATCH STATS

Bohemians ran out 2-0 winners when the sides met earlier in the season, first-half goals from Anto Breslin and Andre Wright proving enough for victory.

The Saints have managed just 13 goals from 17 games this season, a total higher than only relegated Cork City.

BETTING

St Patrick’s Athletic 6/5; Draw 2/1; Bohemians 23/10.

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 1 – 0 Bohemians

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Darragh Markey.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Rob Cornwall.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.