On Friday night, St Patricks host UCD at Richmond Park, in a potentially vital Dublin derby in the Irish Premier Division.
St Patricks are very much still in the race for the three European spots in the Irish top-flight this season. The home side are just three points outside the top-three in the Premier Division. However, they have a massive disadvantage compared to third-place Bohemians when it comes to goal difference.
Our #Saints2019 are back on the training pitch in the sunshine as preparations continue for Friday’s visit of UCD to Richmond Park. Outfield players working together while goalkeepers @BrenClarke1, @bazlastmanback & @brianmaher00 with GK coach Pat Jennings 🔴⚪️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/hFzCgOb9wv— St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) September 10, 2019
Our #Saints2019 are back on the training pitch in the sunshine as preparations continue for Friday’s visit of UCD to Richmond Park. Outfield players working together while goalkeepers @BrenClarke1, @bazlastmanback & @brianmaher00 with GK coach Pat Jennings 🔴⚪️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/hFzCgOb9wv
They have aided their European chances by recording victories over Cork City, Sligo Rovers and last time out Finn Harps.
St Patricks recent home form has been inconsistent, but a record of three wins in their last eight matches on home soil is not a great one. They have also lost two of their last three league games at Richmond Park.
Their recent home games in the Premier Division have tight, low-scoring affairs with under 2.5 goals scored in six of their last seven home outings.
With just six games left in the Irish top-flight season, time is running out for UCD to save themselves from relegation to the second tier. The visitors are now six points from safety, with a goal difference of -49.
UCD’s recent league form has been woeful, as they have suffered six straight league defeats. They have conceded at least two goals in all six straight losses while conceding a massive 18 goals in their last three league outings.
The visitors have failed to win in 14 away league games, suffering 13 defeats in the process. Poor defensive displays have been the crux of UCD’s problems on their travels, illustrated by the fact that they have conceded 25 goals in their last five away games.
Forebet predicts that St Patricks will record a fourth straight league victory in a high-scoring encounter.