Drogheda United vs St Patrick’s Athletic Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews in Ireland’s Premier Division. St Patrick’s Athletic visit Weavers Park on Friday to face bottom-placed Drogheda United in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Read on for our free predictions and tips.
League of Ireland Premier | Jun 7, 2024 at 7:45pm UK at United Park (Drogheda)
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Drogheda United vs St Patrick’s Athletic Predictions
St Patrick’s Athletic Aim to Exploit Drogheda’s Defensive Woes at Weavers Park
Key Stats
– Drogheda United have conceded 34 goals in 19 matches, the highest in the league.
– Chris Forrester has scored twice in his last three appearances for St Patrick’s Athletic.
– Over 2.5 goals have been scored in eight of Drogheda’s last ten home matches.
As Drogheda United prepare to host St Patrick’s Athletic at Weavers Park in the League of Ireland Premier Division, the stakes are high for both teams. Drogheda are entrenched at the bottom of the table, eight points adrift, while St Patrick’s Athletic hover just above the relegation zone. This match is pivotal for both sides as they seek to secure valuable points in their respective campaigns.
Current Form and Performance Analysis
Drogheda United’s Struggles
Drogheda United’s season has been marred by defensive instability. Conceding 34 goals in 19 matches, their defence is the leakiest in the league. This vulnerability has been exacerbated by a current four-match losing streak, where they have conceded ten goals. Their recent outings include a 2-1 defeat to Sligo Rovers and a 4-2 loss to Waterford, highlighting their defensive woes.
They have not won since beating Dundalk on May 6, which has left them in a precarious position, desperately needing to break their five-game winless run.
St Patrick’s Athletic’s Inconsistent Form
St Patrick’s, though not in immediate danger, face their own set of challenges. Sitting seven points clear of the drop zone, they have played two more games than their closest rivals. Under the new management of Stephen Kenny, who has had a mixed start with two wins, one draw, and three losses from his six matches, the team is looking to stabilize. Their last outing was a narrow 3-2 loss to Dundalk, further emphasizing their need for defensive solidity. Notably, they have failed to win any of their last nine competitive away games, a streak they are keen to end.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Drogheda United
Drogheda’s defensive line may be without Aaron McNally, who is a doubt for the game. The team will also miss Oisin Gallagher and Jack Keaney due to suspensions. However, Darragh Markey returns from a ban and is available to face his former club. The expected lineup includes Wogan in goal, a backline of Heeney, Quinn, Cann, and Kane, with O’Brien and Brennan anchoring the midfield. Bawa, Malarkey, and Weir are set to support Pierrot in attack.
St Patrick’s Athletic
For the visitors, Axel Sjoberg, Ruairi Keating, and Anto Breslin are likely absentees. Brandon Kavanagh and Romal Palmer, who were substitutes in the last match, could be recalled to the starting eleven. Chris Forrester remains a key figure in midfield, having scored twice in the last three matches. St Patrick’s expected lineup features Rogers in goal, with McLaughlin, Redmond, Keeley, and Turner forming the defence. Forrester and Lennon will control the midfield, while Mulraney, Melia, and B Kavanagh support C Kavanagh upfront.
Expected Goals and Gameplay Strategy
Drogheda United’s Expected Goals (xG) Analysis
Drogheda’s attacking output has been modest, averaging 1.1 goals per game. Their main attacking threats come from Pierrot and Weir, each with four goals this season. However, their defensive xG is concerning, conceding an average of 1.8 goals per game. Their inability to maintain clean sheets and frequent defensive lapses suggest they will likely concede in this match.
St Patrick’s Athletic’s Expected Goals (xG) Analysis
St Patrick’s xG metrics show an average of 1 goal per game. Despite their struggles, they have a relatively better defensive record compared to Drogheda, conceding 1.2 goals per game. The midfield duo of Forrester and Lennon, along with the attacking prowess of C Kavanagh, will be crucial in breaking down Drogheda’s defence. Their possession-based approach, averaging 52.7% possession, indicates they will likely control the tempo of the game.
Key Player Duels and Tactical Battles
Midfield Battle: Forrester vs Markey
The midfield battle will be critical, with Chris Forrester of St Patrick’s facing off against Drogheda’s returning Darragh Markey. Forrester’s ability to dictate play and his recent goal-scoring form makes him a pivotal player. Markey, on the other hand, will look to disrupt St Patrick’s rhythm and launch counter-attacks.
Defensive Duels: Redmond and Keeley vs Pierrot
St Patrick’s central defenders Joe Redmond and Conor Keeley will have their hands full containing Drogheda’s forward Frantz Pierrot. Pierrot’s physicality and goal-scoring ability will test St Patrick’s backline, which has shown vulnerability in recent matches.
Wings and Width: Mulraney vs Weir
On the flanks, Jake Mulraney of St Patrick’s will be up against Drogheda’s Evan Weir. Mulraney’s pace and dribbling skills will be vital in creating opportunities, while Weir, Drogheda’s top scorer, will need to balance his defensive duties with his attacking contributions.
Predictions
Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals
Given the defensive vulnerabilities of both sides and their recent goal-scoring trends, the best bet for this match is Over 2.5 Goals. Drogheda’s home matches often feature high-scoring encounters, with over 2.5 goals in eight of their last ten games. Similarly, St Patrick’s recent matches have shown a propensity for goals, making this a solid prediction.
Correct Score Prediction: St Patrick’s Athletic 2-1 Drogheda United
Aligning with the best bet, a 2-1 victory for St Patrick’s Athletic seems plausible. St Patrick’s have shown they can score, but their defensive frailties mean Drogheda will likely find the net. The visitors’ superior overall form and attacking options give them the edge in this encounter.
Goalscorer Prediction: Chris Forrester
Chris Forrester is poised to score in this match. His recent form, with two goals in the last three matches, and his role as a creative force in midfield, position him as a likely candidate to find the back of the net against a porous Drogheda defence.
First Team to Score: St Patrick’s Athletic
St Patrick’s are expected to strike first in this match. Their ability to control possession and Drogheda’s defensive issues suggest that the visitors will open the scoring. A quick start from St Patrick’s could set the tone for the rest of the game.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Corners Over 9.5
An interesting market to consider is Total Corners Over 9.5. Both teams have shown a tendency to win and concede a significant number of corners. St Patrick’s average around five corners per game, while Drogheda’s home matches see about 4.1 corners awarded to them. The cumulative average supports a high corner count in this match.
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