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

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps host St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday evening at Finn Park (kick-off is at 8pm).

Harps come into the game having seen off Longford Town 3-0 last weekend, but their manager Ollie Horgan is expecting a stiff test for his side.

“Pats are probably the side that have played us best this season, both here at Finn Park and when we went to Inchicore back in June,” Ollie Horgan told his club’s media team.

“Unfortunately, we are down a few bodies which makes our task all the more difficult. We were well beaten in both games and so we’ll need to be at our absolute best and hope they’re having an off night to have any sort of a chance of coming away with a result.

“They have quality all over the pitch with the likes of Chris Forrester, Paddy Barrett, Ronan Coughlan to name only a few and it’s no surprise to anyone that they’re up at the top of the table.

“They’ll be coming here expecting three points to keep the pressure on Shamrock Rovers who don’t have a game this weekend.” 

In team news, Mark Timlin will miss the trip through injury. Sean Boyd is suspended, while Karl O’Sullivan, Shane McEleney, Ethan Boyle and Will Seymore are doubts.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

After securing a big 2-1 win last time out, Stephen O’Donnell’s Saints are back on the road again as they take on Finn Harps in Ballybofey.

The Athletic stayed in touch with league leaders Shamrock Rovers thanks to their win against Waterford.

But their Head Coach is expecting a tough trip to the North-West for his side.

“It's always a tough place to go and they have won their last two games, two away games, away to Sligo and away on Saturday to Longford, 3-0 and a very convincing win,” he said.

“Their confidence will be up, they did go through a bit of a lean spell, but they've won their last two games and as I said they will be sky high with confidence and looking forward to welcoming us up to Ballybofey on Friday night.

“We just have to go again, show the same appetite and aptitude to work and we will see where that takes us.”

New recruit Jak Hickman may make his Saints debut, while Lee Desmond, John Mountney and Robbie Benson all miss out.

BETTING

Finn Harps 16/5; Draw 12/5; St Patrick’s Athletic 3/4.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 1 - 3 St Patrick’s Athletic

Finn Harps

Injured: Mark Timlin

Doubtful: Karl O’Sullivan, Shane McEleney, Ethan Boyle, Will Seymore 

Suspended: Sean Boyd

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: John Mountney, Robbie Benson, Lee Desmond.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.