St Patrick's Athletic will look to extend their winning run to four matches when they host Shelbourne at Richmond Park on Friday 16 October night. The Saints are in strong form, sitting second in the Premier Division with 59 points from 32 games, just three points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers.
Their recent results have been impressive. A 1-0 away win at Sligo Rovers last month, secured by a late Aidan Keena goal, followed a 4-0 demolition of Dundalk and a 2-0 home victory over Shamrock Rovers. That sequence has given them a recent form line of three wins, one draw and one loss.
Head-to-head advantage
Recent history against Shelbourne also offers encouragement. St Patrick's Athletic have won two of the last three meetings between the sides, including a 2-1 victory at Tolka Park in August. Their only defeat in that run was a narrow 1-0 loss at home in May.
Shelbourne arrive with a more mixed record, having drawn 1-1 with Galway United in their last outing after a 3-2 win at Dundalk and two home defeats. The Saints will be confident of maintaining their momentum in front of their own supporters.
The team that beat Sligo lined up in a 3-1-4-2 formation with Joe Anang in goal, a back three of Joe Redmond, Sam Hoare and Luke Turner, and a midfield anchored by Jamie Lennon. Forwards Aidan Keena and Ryan Edmondson, who both scored in the big win at Dundalk, will lead the line.
With a key away trip to fourth-placed Derry City coming up this week, a positive result against Shelbourne is important to keep the pressure on at the top. Kick-off at Richmond Park is set for 19:45 local time on Friday.
