The League of Ireland returns to our screens on Friday as Dundalk manager Stephen O’Donnell returns to St Patrick’s Athletic following his controversial off-season switch.
O’Donnell guided the Saints to FAI Cup glory for just the fourth time in November but within a week had left for the club he captained to four league titles.
The manner of his departure was acrimonious as he was set to stay on with the Saints for another two years before reversing course when Dundalk sought a replacement for Vinny Perth.
That case will rumble on as the Athletic have taken legal action, but the Richmond Park faithful will have a chance to make their feelings clear on Friday night.
Pats have enjoyed a strong start to the season but slipped to third as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Drogheda United last week.
A late equaliser from Darragh Burns earned a point after Dayle Rooney had put the visitors in front, a second game without a win for Tim Clancy’s side.
Dundalk returned to winning ways as they bounced back from their derby defeat to Drogheda with a 2-0 win over UCD, thanks to Daniel Kelly and Patrick Hoban.
A win for the visitors would see them leapfrog the Saints, while a win for the home side would be a start to bridging the seven-point gap to league leaders Derry City.
What date is the match?
Friday, April 8, 2022.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is 7.45pm.
Where is the match?
Richmond Park, Dublin 8..
Who is the referee?
The referee is Rob Harvey of Dublin.
Are there tickets available?
Tickets are available from the St Patrick’s Athletic website here .
Where can I watch it?
The game will be broadcast live on RTÉ Two.
Can I stream it online?
The game can be streamed on the RTÉ Player here.
Who are they key players to watch?
For Pats, it’s hard to look past the electric Darragh Burns , who showed great awareness late on to salvage a point against Drogheda on Friday.
The winger, who has recently been promoted to the Ireland under-21 side after playing underage ball with the North, has a bag of tricks in his feet and scores goals too.
Patrick Hoban has rarely been more vital to Dundalk’s cause as he looks set to play out the final years of his career at Oriel Park.
His goal just after half time to seal the win over UCD was his third of the season and his form will be key if O’Donnell’s men are to challenge for Europe.
Quotes Corner:
Saints assistant manager Jon Daly said: "Dundalk have good experience. You probably look at their side and it's probably a little different to ours.
“We are very youthful with a couple of senior pros and they've probably got the majority of senior pros and they are good, experienced ones that know and understand the game.
“Defensively, they are quite solid. That's probably why they have drawn a lot of games. They have some good ball-playing midfielders and up front, they have an attacking threat that can score goals. We expect them to be well up for the game.
“We need to make sure that we match that and bring an energy to the stadium as well and I'm sure the fans will be behind the players."
O’Donnell said: “There’s been a lot of talk since I came to Dundalk so I’d imagine there’ll be a good atmosphere and it’ll be hostile.
“I can’t control any of that. I’m more looking at the team, the game and the football side of it.
“There’s been a lot of stuff said, not from my side, so I’m sure it will lead to a good atmosphere which is good for the league as it generates a bit of interest.
“I get a bit of stick at most grounds so I’m well used to it. It’s part and parcel of football and I think it’s better for that. It would be worse if there was no emotion and it was all mundane.”
Betting:
St Patrick’s Athletic 6/5; Draw 25/10; Dundalk 25/10.
