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

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Patrick’s Athletic will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce as they welcome Finn Harps to Richmond Park on Monday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Saints saw off Sligo Rovers with ease last time out, winning 2-0 against the Bit O’Red with Ronan Coughlan and Matty Smith getting amongst the goals.

That win came just days after won away to Longford Town – meaning they have won their first two games since the mid-season break.

“We are delighted,” Head Coach Stephen O’Donnell told his club’s media team. “The break probably came at the right time for us.

“We are re-energised, refocused and since we have come back. The intensity, quality and application in training has been very good also.

“We are delighted to take maximum points in the first two games but no time to dwell on it. We have Finn Harps on Monday and it's going to be a tough game.

“It's a quick turn around and as I said (there’s) no time to dwell on the win against Sligo.

“As you saw, Finn Harps' last away game they drew with Shamrock Rovers and fully deserved the draw, so we are under no illusions as to how tough it is going to be."

In terms of team news for the hosts – Shane Griffin is their only confirmed absentee as he nurses a shoulder injury.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps will be looking to shake off the disappointment of Friday’s 2-1 derby defeat to Derry City when they take on the Saints at Richmond Park.

Harps fell behind early on – but levelled through Ethan Boyle. But Boyle’s equaliser was not enough to secure a point as they were undone by Will Patching’s brace.

The result sees Harps slip back in the league table – and their manager Ollie Horgan is expecting a difficult trip to the capital against Pat’s.

“Pats are a very, very good side and they will be expecting a win now at home,” he told his club’s media team.

“We’ll have to patch things up and get ready as best we can.

“Inchicore is a very tough place to go at the best of times, never mind when we’re down a few bodies as we are at the minute.”

In team news, Johnny Dunleavy, Stephen Folan, Barry McNamee, Adam Foley, Mark Timlin and Ethan Boyle are all doubts.

Karl O’Sullivan will miss the game through suspension.

Referee: Rob Harvey.

MATCH STATS

Finn Harps have only won once in their last five league games – earning a 2-1 win away to Waterford at the RSC.

The Saints have yet to draw at home in the league this season – with their home league record standing at six wins and 2 defeats.

Finn Harps have only won once at Richmond Park since 2001, winning by two goals to one at the venue against the Athletic in March 2017.

BETTING

St Patrick’s Athletic 8/15; Draw 27/10; Finn Harps 9/2.

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 2 - 0 Finn Harps

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Shane Griffin.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: None.

Doubtful:  Johnny Dunleavy, Stephen Folan, Barry McNamee, Adam Foley, Mark Timlin, Ethan Boyle.

Suspended: Karl O’Sullivan.