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

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

St Patrick's Athletic hosts Finn Harps at Richmond Park on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm) tied on 27 points with the Donegal side.

Both clubs have found a bit of form in the past few weeks when it was needed but the Saints have the edge having won four of their last five in all competitions.

A disappointing 1-1 draw with Sligo Rovers two weeks ago was the only blip to that form, but they made short work on non-league Portmarnock in the cup last Sunday.

Having two days' shorter turnaround than Harps going into the game is less than ideal but Liam Buckley has a fresher squad having brought in five new faces during the window.

"Friday night will be another tough game,” Buckley told the club's official website.

“Harps have recorded several impressive results over the season to date and have signed a few players recently so we know it will be another challenging game against them.

"We're coming into the game off a tough game last week against Portmarnock. We got the job done to advance to the next round of the FAI Cup, but know we need to improve on our level of performance.

"We've had some great support over the last few weeks, both in home and away games, so I know we'll get another good backing from our home support on Friday.

“We'll be looking to give them something to shout about again by taking all three points and keep this run of ours going."

Defenders Gavin Peers and Darren Dennehy remain sidelined with injury and Killian Brennan is suspended after picking up five yellow cards this season.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps will travel to Richmond Park with some degree of confidence following their dramatic 4-3 win after extra time over Bohemians in Finn Park last Friday.

Harps have won their last two away games, against Bray Wanderers and Drogheda United, and beat Pats 2-1 in their first meeting this season.

“It’s going to ‘backs to the wall’ stuff at Richmond Park tomorrow night,” Horgan told the club's media team.

“At home Pat’s have to go for the win and if we’re not switched on for the 90 minutes then we’ll be in big trouble.

“Our lads need to be make it very difficult for them to get on their attacking game. If we can do that we have a chance and hopefully we can get something out of the counter-attacks.

“Pat’s are back now to the form they were in when they were challenging for trophies. They have had a great run recently with something like four wins in five games.

“Liam Buckley has brought in quality players in the transfer window like Owen Garvan who played cross-channel with Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.”

Horgan will sweat on the fitness of Packie Mailey, Gareth Harkin and Danny Morrissey, while Paddy McCourt is suspended and Caolan McAleer will miss the next two matches after amassing 12 yellow cards.

Referee: Robert Harvey

MATCH STATS

The sides have met twice so far this season with the side from Ballybofey enjoying a 100% record over the Dublin club so far.

The first meeting of the season at Richmond Park saw Harps run out surprise 2-1 winners as Sean Houston and Ciaran O'Connor netted following Graham Kelly's early goal.

And Harps scored three times in the first half, a brace from Danny Morrissey and Packie Mailey's goal, on their way to a 3-1 win.

BETTING

St Patrick's Athletic 8/11; Draw 13/5; Finn Harps 4/1.

PREDICTION

St Patrick's Athletic 2 – 1 Finn Harps

St Patrick's Athletic

Injured: Gavin Peers, Darren Dennehy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Killian Brennan.

Finn Harps

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Gareth Harkin (back), Packie Mailey (knee), Danny Morrissey.

Suspended: Caolan McAleer, Paddy McCourt.