Dublin Derby Day as St. Pats take on Shamrock Rovers - 09/08/13

Dublin Derby Day as St. Pats take on Shamrock Rovers - 09/08/13

Preview by Niamh Whelan - @NiamhWhelanX

St. Pats are hoping to secure 3 points and remain at the top of the Airtricity League table as Shamrock Rovers are aiming to prevent a 14 point gap opening up between the two sides.

The Super Saints
The Saints were frustrated last week, as they were held to a scoreless draw by Drogheda United. Coupled with Dundalk's victory over Rovers, the gap at the top was slashed to just 1 point. Crucially the Inchicore side have a game in hand over their rivals, albeit a trip to the Brandywell to play Derry City.

Ahead of Friday’s clash, Pats’ manager Liam Buckley told stpatsfc.com that he was expecting another tight game between the two sides. “Tallaght is always a nice place to play and the pitch is always good up there so it should make for a good game of football. It’s a game we’re all really looking forward as clashes between the sides are always big occasions.”

“It’s an important three points and things are really tight at the top so we’ll be going there looking to get the result.” .Buckley will have a full squad to choose from as there are no major injures,but Shane McFaul will undergo a late test.Killian Brennan is suspended for Friday's game.

The Hoops

Trevor Croly will be happy with his sides place in the table. They sit comfortably 5th, with Limerick their nearest challengers 13 points behind. Rovers fans will be wondering what might have been  however, as they have drawn over half their games this season.

One of those draws came against the Saints. The other league clash between the two was an emphatic 3-0 victory for the Hoops in Tallaght at the beginning of the season.

Speaking to the club's official website, Croly was pleased with his purchase of Richie Ryan

''It has been a good week for us so far with the signing of a quality player in Richie Ryan; he will be a significant addition to the squad. And we are looking forward to what should be a great week ahead, as we have three big, exciting games coming up.''

''Friday night will give us a good chance to reduce the gap on the teams ahead of us. After that we have a cup semi-final to look forward to and then another derby game again next weekend. So it is a big week, and one that gives us plenty of opportunity make gains.”
The Hoops may struggle as Mark Quigley has been ruled out due to a Calf injury and Tommy Stewart is a doubt but his fitness will be assessed. Stephen Rice and Jason McGuinness are also unavailable for selection having both received red cards in last weeks match. Richie Ryan could make his debut

Pats record in Tallaght is poor (no win since March 2010)  and Rovers are missing out on key players, this game is a tough one to predict!

Kick off is at 8pm at Tallaght Stadium.