Shamrock Rovers, led by Stephen Bradley, have enjoyed a solid start to the season, with just one defeat in their last 13 games as they approach the halfway mark, giving them confidence to extend their points tally this week.

On Friday, the Hoops mounted a comeback to secure a vital three points, as goals from Rory Gaffney, Michael Noonan, and Graham Burke propelled them to a 3-1 victory over Waterford.

This win placed Bradley's team at the top of the league with 29 points, now two points ahead of second-placed Derry City, who drew 1-1 with Drogheda United.

Having already defeated their Monday opponents 1-0 earlier in the season, fans are optimistic about increasing their lead at the summit, especially with back-to-back clean sheets at Tallaght Stadium underscoring their recent defensive strength.

A fourth straight win could push Rovers five points clear of both Derry City and Bohemians, but a loss might allow rivals to drop them to third before matchday 18.

Meanwhile, St Patrick's Athletic, under Stephen Kenny, have struggled in the past month, managing only two wins from their last seven games, making them eager to claim all three points.

In their latest match, the Saints recovered from a 2-1 deficit to edge out relegation-threatened Cork City 3-2, though Kenny may be frustrated that late goals from Zachary Elbouzedi and Jamie Lennon were needed despite an early lead.

Nonetheless, that result lifted Kenny's side to fourth place, level on 25 points with fifth-placed Drogheda United and two points behind Derry City and Bohemians.

The visitors face a tough challenge on Monday against strong opposition, compounded by their poor away form, which includes a four-game winless streak and three consecutive losses heading into Tallaght Stadium.

A win for St Patrick's could propel them to second place, just one point behind Rovers, while another defeat—potentially their sixth—might see them slip to fifth.

Following their recent victory, Rovers are expected to field a similar starting XI from the Waterford game, with Rory Gaffney and Aaron Greene leading the attack.

Wing-backs Adam Matthews and Joshua Honohan will provide support from the flanks, while 16-year-old Michael Noonan is poised for a substitute appearance if extra attacking options are required.

In defense, Cory O'Sullivan, Roberto Lopez, and Lee Grace will form Bradley's back three, shielding goalkeeper Edward McGinty.

For St Patrick's, midfielder Kian Leavy might be absent due to a first-half injury from their Cork game, with Brandon Kavanagh potentially stepping in alongside Jamie Lennon and Barry Baggley.

In attack, Mason Melia, who scored last time out, will pair with Jake Mulraney and Aidan Keena, supported by overlapping runs from full-backs Axel Sjoberg and Al-Amin Kazeem.

Shamrock Rovers possible starting lineup:

McGinty; Matthews, Grace, Lopez, O'Sullivan, Honohan; Byrne, Nugent, O'Neill; Gaffney, Greene

St Patrick's Athletic possible starting lineup:

Anang; Sjoberg, Redmond, Hoare, Kazeem; Baggley, Lennon, Kavanagh; Mulraney, Melia, Keena