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

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

Stephen O’Donnell’s Saints will be looking to continue their chase of European football when they welcome Waterford to Richmond Park on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Athletic, who currently lie in fifth place in the league table come into the game off the back of a scoreless draw away to Shamrock Rovers last time out at Tallaght Stadium.

A pleasing result, the former Dundalk captain will take confidence from his side’s willingness to take on the Hoops on their home patch.

With the game taking place two weeks ago, O’Donnell has been granted the opportunity to work with his side prior to an exciting end to the season with a lucrative prize on the line.

“We have four big games left in what is a huge part of the season,” O'Donnell told stpatsfc.com.

“Our run in of our final four games starts with Waterford on Friday and all our focus is on that. They have been playing well lately so we are going to have it all to do and our work cut out to get a result.

“But the boys are looking forward to it. We are all looking forward to it after two good weeks of training since our last game against Shamrock Rovers, so everyone is chomping at the bit.”

Kevin Toner is the Saints only known absentee for the visit of Waterford to Richmond Park – as Pats have revealed O’Donnell has no injury worries to contend with.

WATERFORD

After a positive September, Waterford return to Premier Division action with a trip to Richmond Park to face St Patrick’s Athletic.

The Blues had no game last weekend but will look to continue on their recent run of form that has seen wins over Cork City, Bohemians and Hearts Colts.

However, with hopes of European football now a distant memory, Alan Reynolds has impressed in recent weeks at the RSC in terms of keeping results at a high-level.

Speaking to WaterfordFC.ie ahead of Friday’s match away to St Pats, he said; “We’re looking forward to getting back on the pitch on Friday.

“We had no game last weekend, but the lads have trained really hard and it’s given a few players a chance to get over some knocks.

“We’re in decent form lately and we want to end the season well with four league games to play. We have Sligo at home on Tuesday as well so two games in quick succession and we’re looking for two positive results.

“Stephen [O’Donnell] has gone in up there and they’re pushing to get into the European places, so we’ll have to put in a good performance to get the points.”

Kenny Browne continues to miss out for the Blues while Rory Feely and Georgie Poynton are both suspended so they will play in no part of the action on Friday evening.

Referee: Edgars Malcevs.

MATCH STATS

St Patrick’s Athletic are unbeaten under new manager Stephen O’Donnell with two draws and two wins under his belt as boss.

Waterford have won their previous two games on the road – with wins over Bohemians and Cork City in recent weeks for Alan Reynolds side.

Only once in the previous seven games between the sides has both sides got on the scoresheet – a 2-1 win for the Saints back in July of this year.

BETTING

St Patrick’s Athletic 4/5; Draw 5/2; Waterford 3/1.

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 2 - 0 Waterford

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Kevin Toner.

Waterford

Injured: Kenny Browne.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Rory Feely, Georgie Poynton.