United Park (7.45pm Friday)

Eircom League Premier Division

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda claimed that they weren't just a one-man show but clearly they are. Without Declan O'Brien, the Drogs were toothless against Derry City in the Brandywell on Tuesday evening. But now, with new signing Eamon Zayed expected to be registered in time, they will aim to get back on track and secure maximum points here against a high flying St.Patricks Athletic. Their last home result was a disaster, however, and a repeat of that here performance will result in their first defeat of the year in United Park. Dublin City were the opponents that night and after a scoreless hour of football, Declan O'Brien shot the Louth club in front and it seemed it was just a matter of playing out the game to take full points. Dublin had different ideas, though, with two stunning strikes late in the game handing them a 2-1 lead with just two minutes of injury-time remaining. But, as so often before, Fabio pulled a point out of the fire for Paul Doolin with an equaliser eight seconds before the whistle. That signalled a dip in form for the Drogs and they are finding it tough going at the moment.

Since that, they have travelled to Bray and taken three points with an 84th minute goal while they found Derry four goals too good three days ago in the League Cup. Last Sunday in the Carlisle Grounds, they had a very quiet game against a solid home side with the only thing of note in the first half being the injury to Fabio (a double break to his jaw that rules him out for the rest of the year). After the interval, the game stayed much the same but on 84 minutes, Bray failed to clear a corner properly and super-sub Paul Keegan was on hand to shoot Doolin's men to a priceless victory. Drogheda then travelled to The Brandywell hoping to make the last four of the League Cup but decided to field a weakened side, including a change of goalkeeper with Dan Connor being replaced by Charles Tracey. Derry dominated much of the game and took the lead with an absolute cracker from Barry Molloy. The game was wrapped up with three second-half strikes to complete the rout. Drogheda are now out of both the FAI and League Cups while their UEFA Cup adventure is expected to be short lived so all they have to play for now is the league. Many people feel they don't have the stamina to challenge but only time will tell.

ST.PATRICKS ATHLETIC

St.Pats have had an excellent season. Last year, if Shamrock Rovers had not been deducted eight points, Pats would now be plying their trade in the second tier of Irish football so to see them sitting just in behind the 'Big Four' approaching the mid-way point of the campaign is quite astonishing. Johnny McDonnell has done a wonderful job and they will be gunning for revenge here as Drogheda are one of only two sides to have beaten the Saints this term. That loss should have been a win, however, as they missed numerous chances only to be punished with a Glenn Fitzpatrick strike three minutes from time. The other loss came just under two weeks ago when they went to Tolka Park and lost heavily to title favourites Shelbourne. It could be argued that the Richmond Park outfit are the only team that should be unbeaten in the opening fourteen games but the two defeats they suffered were by no means a disgrace. It has really been a great year for them with the exception of being knocked out of the League Cup by Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers but they would give up that competition to make a bold bid for the Premier League.

Before that loss to Shels, St.Pats had a superb record on their travels with wins against Waterford United, Dublin City and UCD along with solid draws against Bohs and Sligo. Their win over Waterford was probably the most impressive as its not an easy place to go and win, despite the Blues lowly points total. In their most recent match, at home to Sligo Rovers, Pats were fantastic from start to finish. They controlled much of the match and took a one-goal lead midway through the opening half thanks to a Trevor Molloy special. But, after some static defending, Rovers were back on level terms before the whistle and suddenly all Pats hard work had been undone. The Saints were not to be denied, however, and another Molloy strike sent them back in front before a third goal secured the win. That showing should have the squad bubbling and a trip to Drogheda will show just how far the Inchicore side are off the top teams in this section. Their aim will be to win but a point would be welcome ahead of a Dublin Derby with Bohemians next Friday night in Richmond.

THIS SEASONS FORM & TEAM NEWS

Previous Meeting This Season:
St.Patricks Athletic 0-1 Drogheda United

Drogheda Uniteds Home Form This Season:
2-2 Dublin City
1-0 Bohemians
4-0 Waterford United
1-0 Longford Town
1-0 UCD
1-0 Bray Wanderers
0-0 Cork City

St.Patricks Athletic Away Form This Season:
0-3 Shelbourne
3-1 Waterford United
2-0 Dublin City
0-0 Bohemians
1-1 Sligo Rovers
1-0 UCD

Drogheda: New signing Eamon Zayed is set for his Drogheda debut following his midweek move from Bray Wanderers. Skipper Declan O'Brien's fractured jaw may not keep him out for the rest of the season, as had been feared initially. Defender Steven Gray and midfielder James Keddy remain out with injuries.

St.Patricks Athletic: 'The win over Sligo last week has kept us on the coat-tails of the top four,' said Saints boss John McDonnell who brings a full squad to United Park.

VERDICT

This is a very tough match to call. Declan O'Brien is now gone until next year so Drogheda will have to move on. Eamon Zayed was a great signing and its about time he had a chance at one of the better teams in the country as he is an excellent player and it may be a blessing in disguise that Fabio got that jaw injury. If Zayed plays, he will be a lethal threat but the Drogs will probably still fail to score more than once. They will see this as a good opportunity to get back to winning ways after the mauling they got in Derry and they should just about edge out the Saints.

For Pats, they will look for a positive result but the performance against Shelbourne would sway me towards Drogheda in this encounter. Shels are a far better team than the Louth club so the Drogs will certainly not find it easy going. They should just shade it but playing big money on this game is like playing with fire. Zayed to shoot them to a 1-0 victory.

The Pick :

Drogheda 1-0 St.Pats

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

42% Drogheda - 34% Draw - 24% St.Pats

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Drogheda to win @ 1/1 (PaddyPower)
Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.65 (Betfair)

VALUE BET

Drogheda to win 1-0 @ 6/1 (Ladbrokes/VC Bet)