Dundalk head to Inchicore unbeaten since their return to the Premier Division, while St Patrick’s Athletic are still waiting for their first goal and first win of the new season at Richmond Park.
There is a familiar early-season edge around Richmond Park. Two games in, Pat’s sit ninth with one point, no goals scored and two conceded. It is not the start Stephen Kenny’s side would have imagined, especially after being tipped by many as genuine challengers near the top. The performances have not been disastrous, but the cutting edge has been missing. If the goals haven’t arrived yet, the club has still managed to lift the mood off the pitch, unveiling a Wolfe Tones collaboration third jersey ahead of this Friday night fixture.
Dundalk’s return to the top flight has already had late drama written all over it. They were caught late against Drogheda and Derry, then flipped the script themselves with a late strike against Rovers on Monday night. This is a side living on fine margins at both ends. They come to Inchicore with confidence. Fifth after three rounds and three points only tells part of it. Nine goals in their last five and a seven-game unbeaten run show a team growing into the division quickly. The Lillywhites are creating, scoring, and are playing with belief. The message is simple now. Cut out the late lapses and they are a serious threat.
Key Information
Kick Off: 19:45, Friday 27 February 2026
Where to Watch: LOITV
Venue: Richmond Park, Dublin (Capacity 5,500; Grass surface)
Referee: Lucas Keating
Betting Odds: St. Patrick’s Athletic @1.75, Draw @3.40, Dundalk @4.33
Team News
St. Patrick’s Athletic remain without Aidan Keena, Max Mata and Simon Power through injury. The absence of recognised attacking options sharpens the pressure on those available to deliver a breakthrough, particularly in a side yet to score in the league this season.
Dundalk are without Vincent Leonard through suspension after his sending off in Tallaght on Monday, while Leonardo Gaxha, Luke Mulligan, Mayowa Animasahun and Norman Garbett are sidelined through injury. Despite that list, they have found rhythm in the opening weeks and look settled in their structure.
Key Statistics
Stephen Kenny in the St Pat’s dugout. Eoin Kenny in the Dundalk attack. Father against son on a Friday night in Inchicore. There may be an awkward dinner in the Kenny household after this match up.
Historically, Dundalk hold a slight edge with 24 wins to St Pat’s 20, plus 12 draws. But this fixture is usually tight. Recent meetings have included a 3–2 Dundalk win, a 1–0 Pat’s response and a 0–0 stalemate. Fine margins are the norm.
Form leans towards the visitors. St Pat’s are winless in five and still looking for their first league goal of the season. Dundalk are unbeaten in seven and have scored nine in their last five. Momentum sits with the away side.
Key Players
Conor Kearns will be central for Dundalk. Ranked second in the division for saves per match with four, his reliability has underpinned their unbeaten sequence. His experience along with former Bohs duo Keith Buckley and Rob Cornwall could be the deciding factor if Dundalk are to pick up their first win of the season.
For St Patrick’s Athletic, the focus shifts to Ryan Edmondson. With proven League of Ireland goalscorers Aidan Keena and Max Mata unavailable, greater responsibility falls on Edmondson to lead the line and provide a cutting edge. Friday night feels like the kind of game where Pat’s need a focal point, and Edmondson will be expected to provide it.