Shamrock Rovers -v- St. Patrick's Athletic

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The pressure surrounding Stephen Kenny has been building to boiling point, but three points at home to Pats would serve as a release for the embattled manager.

Rumours have been circulating since his side were outplayed and outscored by Bohemians that Kenny’s short tenure could be at an end. However the former Derry City manager has defied all calls for his resignation.

The Hoops are currently in fourth, lying behind Drogheda United, Pats and Sligo, a position that they would have never imagined pre-season. Despite the rumours about Kenny’s job and poor league form there is the small matter of pride at stake. The last meeting between these two was a 5-1 drubbing at Richmond and Rovers fans will not forget, or be allowed, to forget it.  

Kenny will be without former UCD starlet Ciaran Kilduff who, despite returning to training, is not yet in contention to play. Sean Gannon is out with an ankle injury and Stephen O’Donnell is suspended after receiving a red card in last week’s game against Bohemians.

Commenting on the game, Kenny said: “We let ourselves down last week, everyone knows that. But we have to move on. Our home form has been good this year, and we are unbeaten in the league in Tallaght. 

“We know that St Pat’s’ form has been very good this year, but I am looking for a strong performance from the team on Sunday, and of course, a victory. We know our defence needs to improve, but we also need to be more cohesive as a team. We have dominated all our games at Tallaght this year, and we have to continue that on Sunday.”

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

Pats are going to Tallaght on the back of two straight wins, albeit, at home and the Supersaints will be in confident mood.

They ended a decade long hoodoo against Shels and then followed that up with a 1-0 win at home to IBV, although it must be said they were hardly clinical against their Icelandic opponents. Pats are the top Dublin side in the league at the moment and a win over Rovers would be their third straight victory against Dublin opposition.

Pats players could be suffering from fatigue heading into the game with two matches in the space of less than a week but speaking to Stpatsfc Liam Buckley said he would assess his players ahead of the game. The Saints boss also said he expected a backlash from Rovers’ current dip in form.

"I’m sure there will be a reaction from last week’s game, bearing in mind that the worst result they can have is getting beaten by Bohs.  

"While there’ll be some sort of reaction, I’m not overly concerned about them as we need to regroup, make sure our lads are well rested up, recover and do things right from dietary point of view for Sunday.  

"We’ll get a team together and go up there and try and beat them."

Pats remain without the services of Chris Forrester who missed the IBV game with an ankle injury, while Mark Rossiter is a long-term absentee on the sidelines.  Ger O’Brien, John Russell and Christy Fagan all picked up knocks during the week and they will be assessed ahead of the Dublin derby. If Christy Fagan were unable to start it could be a real game changer for the visitors.

Referee: Paul Tuite

MATCH STATS

Pats only win in the league at Tallaght came last March when they recorded a 2-0 win.

Pats Sean O’Connor is in line to register his 100th appearance for the club.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 11/10; Draw 9/4; St. Patrick's Athletic 12/5

PREDICTION

As with all big Dublin derbies, this has ‘draw’ written all over it, 1-1 

Shamrock Rovers Injury News: Ciaran Kilduff, Sean Gannon

Shamrock Rovers Suspension News: Stephen O'Donnell

St Patrick's Athletic Injury News: Chris Forrester, Mark Rossiter, Ger O’Brien (doubt), John Russell (doubt) and Christy Fagan (doubt)

St Patrick's Athletic Suspension News: None