St Patrick's Athl. can move into second place in the Premier Division when they host Dundalk at Richmond Park on Friday night (kick-off 8pm, live on Virgin Media Television).
What’s at stake for St Patrick's Athl.?
A draw would lift St Patrick's Athl. above Bohemians into second on goal difference, but the Saints will push for the win to open a two-point gap over Bohs. League standing: 5th in Premier Division, 52 pts, 13W-13D-10L from 36 games, recent form DDDWL. Stephen Kenny’s side also wants to keep pace with table-toppers Shamrock Rovers, who sit 14 points clear and face a congested schedule over the next five weeks.
Pats have won 10 of their 13 home league games this season and host Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup third round next month after beating Wexford in the previous round. Jay McClelland put the Saints ahead at half-time against Wexford, but Jake Doyle equalised before Aidan Keena scored the winner late on.
Dundalk’s bounce-back mission
Dundalk suffered a 4-0 reverse at Richmond Park in February, yet recovered with a nine-match unbeaten run that included a 2-0 win over Kenny’s side at Oriel Park on Easter Monday. The Lilywhites have since lost their last three league games, so a return to winning ways is urgent. Ciaran Kilduff told dundalkffc.com: “We know we’re coming up against a top team. This certainly won’t be one of the easy games at this stage.”
The Lilywhites have reshaped their attack with the signing of Cian Dillon after Gbemi Arubi left for Burton Albion and Eoin Kenny moved to Portsmouth. Kilduff added: “We’re delighted to have Cian at the club. He’s a young striker with huge potential who has already caught the eye.”
Key talking points ahead of the clash
St Patrick's Athl. have conceded just 32 goals all season and sit on a +10 goal difference, while Dundalk’s recent dip leaves them needing a response. Kenny will welcome back Ireland international Cian Levy from injury, adding depth to a squad chasing European spots.
Both clubs see Friday’s game as a chance to tighten their grip on the top four. Pats sit third with 52 points, Dundalk fourth with 45, and the gap to second-placed Bohs is just seven points. The winner could also gain a crucial game in hand on the top two.
What happens next?
St Patrick's Athl. return to league action after the cup tie, while Dundalk must rediscover their early-season consistency. The Lilywhites’ unbeaten run earlier this year shows their capacity to grind out results, but Pats will bring their own high-energy approach to Richmond Park.
League standing: 5th in Premier Division, 52 pts, 13W-13D-10L from 36 games, recent form DDDWL.
