Dundalk -v- Derry City
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DUNDALK
Dundalk host Derry City at home on Friday night as they continue looking for their first home win of the season in what will be a difficult clash against the in-form Candystripes. But Dundalk have battled back from 2-0 down in the closing stages of their previous two games and that will undoubtedly give them confidence going into this clash.
A win for the hosts would move them to within a point of Derry City in the Premier Division standings as each aim to close the gap on Sligo Rovers and prove they can be title contenders.
On the injury front, captain Stephen O’Donnell is nearing a return to full fitness for Stephen Kenny’s side and although he could feature at some stage, it seems unlikely that he will be risked from the start.
Tiarnan Mulvenna and Darren Meenan both had an impact from the bench against Limerick last week and are in line to play from the beginning, as is defender Chris Shields.
Speaking about the game, Kenny accepted some of the responsibility for the dropped points but insists his side will have no fear of the visitors.
“I accept some of the blame for last week’s result because I encourage the players to play out from the back and we got caught so I take some of the responsibility but we battled back brilliantly and did enough to win the game but in the end it was a great point,” he said.
“Derry City are a really good side. They are in second place and being talked about as challengers to Sligo Rovers and rightly so,” Kenny continued on his former club. “They have really good players and play some good football so it is set up for a great game. We don’t fear anyone though and have only lost one match so far making us pleased with how things have gone with a new group but we will be out for the win on Friday. We haven’t won at home yet and we are hoping we can get that first win this week.”
DERRY CITY
Derry will be even more confident of success given that they are on a six-game unbeaten run during which time they have racked up 18 goals and conceded just one.
The Foylesiders are enjoying their best start to a league season since 2006 having dropped just five points from a possible 21 on offer and are being talked about as the biggest possible challengers to the Bit o’ Red who are defending their league crown.
Derry have also won each of their opening four away games in the Premier Division and come up against a Dundalk side who are still searching for their first home win.
The Candystripes will be without Stewart Greacen, Sean Houston and Kevin Deery as they aim to make it five away wins on the spin.
Although they are on a formidable run, manager Declan Devine does want to keep confidence high although he again emphasised how difficult a game he thinks they are expecting.
He said: “When you are on a good run, you have to embrace every game that comes your way but at the same time, and I keep saying this week in and week out, there are no easy games in this league and we have to make sure we are ready for a very difficult game.
“Dundalk have got off to a very good start and I think they have very good players and obviously Stephen will be determined that he wants to get a result against ourselves but first and foremost we have to make sure we have the right preparation like every other game this year and if we are right then I think we are capable of giving anyone a game.”
Devine also added: “We have to approach matches with the same hunger and the same determination which we have did in the last few games.”
Referee: Neil Doyle.
MATCH STATS
Despite a disappointing season for Dundalk last year, and Derry being crowned FAI Cup winners, meetings between the sides were decidedly mixed. The teams drew in Louth while Derry triumphed 4-0 at the Brandywell although the Lilywhites won 2-1 there early in the campaign.
Not only that, but the sides are very close in their last five meetings in Dundalk with each side winning twice and drawing one, that being a 1-1 draw last July with Shields equalising late for the home club.
These sides have not had a scoreless draw at Oriel Park in almost 21 years when they played out a stalemate on September 11th, 1992 although did draw 0-0 in Derry two years ago.
BETTING
Dundalk 23/10; Draw 11/5; Derry 23/20.
PREDICTION
Dundalk 1-1 Derry City. Derry have been in fine form on the road this year but are coming up against a Dundalk side who are tough to beat and it is too hard to separate the sides.
Dundalk
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Stephen O’Donnell.
Suspensions: None.
Derry City
Injured: Stewart Greacen (knee), Sean Houston (hamstring), Kevin Deery.
Doubtful: None.
Suspensions: None.
