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

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Patrick’s Athletic take on Shelbourne at Richmond Park on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Athletic claimed an opening night draw against Derry City last time out – with Joe Redmond’s late leveller seeing them avoid defeat.

But they will be hoping that they can get their first win of the season against Damien Duff’s side having won the last game against them with a big 4-0 win.

“Our games against Shels last year were fairly competitive,” Tim Clancy said.

“I know we beat them 4-0 at the end of the season but they were preparing for the cup final so they probably took their eye off the ball.

“They beat us once and we beat them 3-0 on the opening night, we also had that crazy game over in Tolka that ended in a draw.

“We're expecting a tough game, they are a fit team who are well organised so we'll need to match their energy and their fitness levels. 

“Hopefully we'll still be able to create chances and get goals and win the game.”

Harry Brockbank (calf) and Adam Murphy (knock) have been ruled out through injury for the game.

SHELBOURNE

After being held to a scoreless draw at home to Drogheda United last week, Damien Duff’s Reds will be looking to claim their first win of the season away to Dublin rivals St Pat’s.

Shels ought to have left Tolka Park last week with at least a win under their belt – but they were unable to do so.

But there were positive signs there for the Richmond Road outfit.

Shels won once at Richmond Park last season, claiming a 2-1 win in Inchicore in May – with JJ Lunney and Jack Moylan netting.

But their last trip to the same venue yielded a heavy loss, with Duff’s then cup-final bound side slumping to a 4-0 loss.

In terms of team news for Shels, Shane Griffin is expected to miss out after being forced out of last week’s season opener against Drogheda due to injury. Jad Hakiki and Conor Kane remain out.

Referee: Neil Doyle.

MATCH STATS

Shelbourne have claimed just one league win since July 22^nd, with their sole win coming against Drogheda United in October at Tolka Park (6-0).

St Pat’s have lost just twice to Shelbourne at Richmond Park since 2006, with the Reds’ win in May 2022 being their first since an FAI Cup semi-final win in October 2011.

The Saints have also lost just once in their last five league games at Richmond Park, with Derry City being the last side to claim a win on the road at the Emmett Road venue.

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 1 - 1 Shelbourne

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Adam Murphy, Harry Brockbank.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Shane Griffin, Conor Kane, Jad Hakiki.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.