League Preview: St. Patrick’s Athletic -v- Shamrock Rovers

Saints skipper Chris Forrester leading his team out in Inchicore last April against Shamrock Rovers. He scored the only goal of the derby that night

Saints skipper Chris Forrester leading his team out in Inchicore last April against Shamrock Rovers. He scored the only goal of the derby that night Credit: Liam Coughlan (ETPhotos)

ST. PATRICK’S ATHLETIC 

The Saints host lead leaders Shamrock Rovers in Richmond Park this Monday at 7:45 pm. 

The home side will want to get back to winning ways after a 2-2 draw away to Finn Harps on Friday. Pat’s led 2-0 in Ballybofey thanks to a Billy King double, but Ollie Horgan’s side fought back to claim a draw thanks to a 97th-minute equaliser from Ethan Boyle. 

Manager Tim Clancy spoke to stpatsfc.com in the build-up to this evening’s game.

“We have to try and focus on the positives from Friday night," he said.

"We're hoping that in front of another big home crowd we can repeat the performance that saw us beat Shamrock Rovers 1-0 at Richmond the last time, we'll be aiming to get a positive result."

A Chris Forrester goal was enough to claim all three points when the sides last met in Inchicore in March.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Hoops will be looking to increase their lead at the top of the Premier Division to 10 points with a win over the Athletic on Monday. 

Rovers are fresh from a 1-0 victory over Bohemians in Friday’s Dublin derby - Rory Gaffney netting the winner shortly after half-time, the second time this season he has won a game in Tallaght for the Hoops against Bohs.



Gaffney’s goal against Pats in Tallaght in April also won earned a 1-0 derby win against the Saints.

Manager Stephen Bradley spoke to the club's media ahead of Monday's game.

“I expect another tough game,” he said. “It’s a Dublin Derby. The games against them this year have all been tight and tough and I don’t expect anything different. They will feel that they should have won the game on Friday so they’ll be hurting and we’ve got to make sure that we’re ready for that.”

Bradley also clarified Rovers’ injury situation and hinted that some player’s minutes would be managed during this busy period. 

“Ronan (Finn) is back (from suspension) and Graham (Burke) is in a better position now to play which is good. Jack (Byrne) is out but Richie Towell will be ready to go as well. Neil Farrugia is out though, he’ll probably be either Friday or Tuesday.”

Referee: Rob Hennessy



MATCH STATS

The two sides have not drawn any of their last six league matches against each other.

Shamrock Rovers have lost their last two away games 1-0 to Dundalk and Drogheda. 

St Pat's have won just one of the previous 10 league encounters between the sides.

BETTING

Home 14/5; Draw 12/5; Away 17/20.

PREDICTION

1-0 away win

St. Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Adam Murphy, Ronan Coughlan, Jamie Lennon, Paddy Barrett, Sam Curtis

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None. 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Jack Byrne, Neil Farrugia

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

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