Preview: St Patrick's Athletic vs. Dundalk - prediction, team news, lineups

Despite that, the hosts have a chance to close the gap on their opponents themselves as only six points currently separate them in the table.

Match preview

After two consecutive games without a win, St Patrick's Athletic were able to change their fortunes at the weekend during their most recent outing against Drogheda United.

Goals from Billy King, Eoin Doyle, and Mark Doyle were enough to secure the result, ensuring that the Saints kept themselves in contention for a top-three finish this season.

Currently, Tim Clancy's men are in fourth place, but there is just five points between them and Derry City, which is a gap they will be hoping to shrink this week.

St Patrick's Athletic have not played since July 1st, which should have provided them with plenty of time in order to recover and get themselves prepared for this one.

The Saints will be aware of the fact that when they last met Dundalk they suffered a 1-0 defeat as Daniel Kelly scored the only goal of the game in the first half.

For the visitors, they will be looking for an immediate response on Friday after their eleven-match unbeaten run was brought to an end in their most recent outing at the hands of Drogheda United.

A goal in the first minute of the game from Dean Williams proved to be enough to separate the two teams on the day, giving the Lilywhites something to think about heading into this encounter.

Prior to that they had been on a spectacular run, which was made even more impressive by the fact that they kept five clean sheets in the six matches that led up to their recent loss.

Only the league leaders Shamrock Rovers have conceded fewer goals than them this season, and that is a record Dundalk will look to continue as they aim to keep the pressure on them.

Right now there is a 10-point difference between the two in the table, but with Stephen McDonnell's men boasting a game in hand, they will still believe they have what it takes to close the gap.

St Patrick's Athletic League of Ireland Premier form:

Dundalk League of Ireland Premier form:

Team News

Following a lengthy break for St Patrick's, the club should be able to provide a full-strength squad that have got plenty of fitness in order to be ready for this contest.

Jake Scott retained his place in the back four during their most recent outing, and after they kept a clean sheet it is likely that Clancy will opt for the same setup.

Patrick Hoban was able to return from injury during their most recent outing from the bench, and after more training sessions there is a chance he could be ready to start this time.

Keith Ward is another option for Dundalk in this game, as he has primarily been used as a substitute as of late, despite the fact he has proven himself to be an attacking threat.

St Patrick's Athletic possible starting lineup:

Anang; Scott, Redmond, Grivosti, Breslin; O'Reilly, Forrester; McCormack, King, M. Doyle; E. Doyle

Dundalk possible starting lineup:

Shepperd; Macari, Connolly, Boyle, Leahy; Doyle, Sloggett; Adams, Benson, Kelly; Hoban

We say: St Patrick's Athletic 1-2 Dundalk

Dundalk will be looking to get straight back to winning ways in this match, and considering how impressive they have been defensively this season that could be something that they achieve.

While the visitors have been another of the strongest teams in the division this season, overall this is a fixture that could prove to be too much for them.

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