League Preview: St Patrick's Athletic -v- Derry City

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

St Patrick's Athletic welcome Derry City to Richmond Park in a vital clash in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division (kick-off 7.45 pm).

St Pats haven't had one of their better seasons this year and are floundering in 11th place in the Premier Division, with their last win coming against Drogheda United in May.

Pats are going to have to go into this clash without the services of new signing Owen Garvan following his sending off during their 1-0 defeat to Cork City, in which Seani Maguire scored the winner from the penalty spot.

Darren Dennehy will also miss the game through injury, however he has returned to training and is getting close to full fitness.

Speaking to www.stpatsfc.com, Saints captain Ian Bermingham pointed to the game between the sides earlier in the season as an indicator of what he expected on Friday night, however he noted that the Saints should be aiming to get the three points.

“Their movement was very impressive, so we know it's going to be a very tough game on Friday night. But we’ve prepared well and are now looking forward to the game so hopefully we can pick up the three points”

Bermingham is hoping that a victory here will be the catalyst for a late season surge as the Saints look to escape the relegation zone.

“Winning games gives you confidence, and I think if we can pick up a win, we can hopefully start looking up the table and make sure we’re at it from now to the end of the season.

DERRY CITY

Derry City travel to the CApital for a massive clash at both ends of the table. Pats are struggling in the relegation zone and The Candystripes are flying high and are well in the hunt for European Football again next season.

Derry go into this game on the back of a big north-west Derby win over Sligo Rovers at Maginn Park with a 4-0 victory.

Aaron Barry is an injury concern and is likely to be unavailable for the game at Richmond Park following a hamstring injury picked up against Midtjylland in the Europa League. Conor McDermott is also a doubt.

It will be interesting to see how Derry will attempt to try and back up their big win over Sligo last weekend following their harsh lesson in the Europa League from FC Midtjylland, losing 10-2 on aggregate.

All signs point to a very competitive game with both sides having a point to prove.

Referee: Robert Rogers

MATCH STATS

St Pats have failed to beat Derry in their five previous encounters, with their last win coming over the Candystripes in the 2015 season.

These two sides famously met in the 2012 and 2014 FAI Cup Finals at the Aviva Stadium, with both sides collecting one win each.

St Pats have not kept a league clean sheet since their 2-0 victory over Drogheda United in , which was their last league win.

Derry City have drawn their last five SSE Airtricity League of Ireland away games.

BETTING

St Pats 15/8 ; Draw 12/5 ; Derry City 7/5

PREDICTION

St Patrick's Athletic 1 - 2 Derry City

St Patrick's Athletic

Injured: Darren Dennehy (foot).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Owen Garvan.

Derry City

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.