Roberto Lope is relishing today’s 'St Patrick’s Day spice' as two of the league’s heavyweights look to put some bite into their season.
Three-in-a-row champions Shamrock Rovers are chasing a first league win at the sixth attempt as they host their out-of-sorts derby rivals (5.00pm).
St Pat’s have managed one win - against Shelbourne - but they pitch up in Tallaght on the back of three defeats on the spin to Bohemians, Sligo Rovers and Dundalk.
Saints fans are up in arms, while a small handful of Hoops supporters had a go at their players following last Friday’s scoreless draw at Shelbourne.
Centre-back Lopes is back in action having been forced to serve a three-game ban for a costly red card in Sligo on the opening weekend.
And the Cape Verde international said: “It’s unusual. You’d like the points tally to be higher, but I think the performances have been good.
“The Cork game (4-4 draw) was a bit mad but the games before that were really good, performance wise.
“It’s only a matter of time before we turn those really good performances into really good results.”
Lopes knows St Pat’s will be hurting as under-fire manager Tim Clancy attempts to rally in the face of fan expectation.
“Playing St Pat’s is always a dangerous game,” said Lopes. “It's a Dublin derby and one the fans are really up for.
“The St Patrick's Day spice adds a bit more to it! It's always a difficult game against Pat's as they have players who can hurt you.
“If you're not up for the game, up for the battle, they will punish you. I've never had an easy game against Pat's and I don't expect one today.”
Damien MacGraith was the referee who sent Lopes off at the Showgrounds when he clashed with Kailin Barlow.
Lopes placed a hand on the Sligo Rovers man’s forehand and pushed him away after they squared up - and MacGraith is the man in the middle again this evening.
“Look, there’s no ill will,” added Lopes. “I got a red card and I know exactly why. It was a harsh lesson that I learnt.
“I thought there was nothing in it, but I did raise my hand and it was silly of me to even do that.
“It feels like I missed a month of football which is a lesson I’ve learnt the hard way. But that’s something across the league that referees are being firm on.”
Meanwhile, Hoops boss Stephen Bradley is confident that Shamrock Rovers fans are behind the team despite the winless run.
Graham Burke was incensed at something shouted from the Rovers end at Tolka Park last week, and Sean Hoare confronted some fans in an attempt to defuse matters.
Bradley said yesterday: “This group has been incredible, the fans have been incredible with them and we’re five games into the season. I’d understand if it was November.
“I had so many fans - who were at that game - contacting me after. They don’t need to but they’re saying it’s a very small minority, that person.
“And if that’s the way he feels, he’s entitled to feel that way. But it’s not the type of support we want.”
Bradley added: “We haven’t taken our chances and we’ve given up our chances, that’s football. I know I sound like a broken record but I feel we’re just there.
“Results change people’s opinions but the performances are right there. But we want to win and we want more points on the board.”
READ NEXT:
Lucky punter takes bookies to the cleaners after €54,629 win from €1 stake
Irish punter Paddy 'Mad' Merrigan takes bookies to the cleaners at the Cheltenham Festival
Conor McGregor eyeing up title bout and Diaz trilogy after Michael Chandler fight
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alert
