League Preview: St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Drogheda United

St Patrick’s Athletic

Pats will be looking to bounce back in this game after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Derry City in their last outing. Will Patching proved to be the difference that night scoring both for The Candystripes after Tom Grivosti had pulled one back for Pats.

The home side welcome back a raft of players who were away on international duty during the week, including David Odumosu, Darragh Burns and Joe Redmond were away with the Ireland U21s and Jack Scott with Northern Ireland U21s.

All appear to have returned fit so should be available for selection.

Saints manager Tim Clancy is facing his ex-team for the first time since taking the Inchicore hot seat. Clancy spent four years at Drogheda and helped them to a First Division title in 2020.

Speaking to the club's media team before the game Clancy said “They are coming off a really good win against Dundalk in the Louth derby, so it is going to be a really tough game.

“We've had a good week's training this week, so we are looking forward to Friday.

It is going to be a bit of a weird one against my old team, but it is what it is, that's football. I have played against former clubs many times in Scotland and Ireland so it is something you get used to.”

“The turnover of players between ourselves and Drogheda from last season is huge, I think it's seven of the starting 11 from last season that we had there, have left, so it's completely different squads.”

“They've probably been unlucky in a few of the games where they didn't get anything and they're coming off a huge result so it is going to be a big, big game, and one we are certainly looking at to try and win."



Drogheda United

Drogheda come into this game in 8th place after a mixed start but will be buoyed from a 1-0 win in the Louth derby against Dundalk last time out.

A Dean Williams penalty was enough to seal victory manager Kevin Doherty will be hoping his striker can continue that form.

The ex-Shamrock Rovers youngster has 2 goals so far this season and is the Drogs joint-top scorer along with Chris Lyons.

Drogheda’s only other win this year came against Dublin based opposition when they beat UCD 4-2 at the start of March.

Referee: Ben Connolly



MATCH STATS

The sides met four times in the league last year with Drogheda winning 3-1 at home in May while Pats were victorious on the other 3 occasions,

An Alfie Lewis goal in injury-time decided it the last time the pair met in October.

The Louth sides’ last win at Richmond Park was back in 2012 when Gavin Brennan and Peter Hynes netted in a 2-0 victory.

BETTING

Home; 4/11, Draw; 16/5,  Away: 15/2.

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic  2 – 1 Drogheda United

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Jamie Lennon (foot), Paddy Barrett (knock).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Drogheda United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

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