Drogheda United -v- Dundalk

DROGHEDA UNITED

This time last year and Drogheda were looking down on their neighbours as the Boynesiders were the ones setting the top of the table alight, now they are forced to crane their necks as they look upwards. But when the Lilywhites take the pitch on Monday night they will be at eye level and all form and league position go out the window as possibly the most heated and competitive derby in the country begins its second chapter.


Drogheda United come into the game on the back of some inconsistent form, a 3-2 loss to Bray in the League was followed up quickly by a 3-0 win over Bohemians in the FAI Cup and there is a real sense that the club may have turned a corner. A sentiment echoed by Drogheda manager Mick Cooke.


“We both had good wins in the cup last weekend, I think when you look at what Bohemians did to Sligo last night it makes our 3-0 win over them at Dalymount look more impressive. I think since our Setanta Cup defeat we have have put in good performances but we haven't got the results we deserved, but that win over Bohs saw us back to our best and doing what we did last year. It gave the squad a lot of confidence,” said the manager


Drogheda will be without the services of David Cassidy and Gabriel Sava, both of whom were sent off against Bray while club captain Derek Prendergast is ruled out with an ankle injury and Eric Foley also misses out through injury. This will mean that Alan Byrne and Alan McNally will partner up at centre back while Jason Marks, who impressed against Bohs, will most likely retain his starting spot.


The Drogheda manager spoke about the role reversal taking place in Louth, “Dundalk obviously are doing what we did last season, they are the real surprise package of the league. They are playing some good football but we are well capable of that and it should be a good game, it will also determine who has the bragging rights for the next 10 weeks or so. “


DUNDALK

The Lilywhites are searching for their first win over their rivals in seven games, this includes the pre-season Jim Malone Cup. As Shamrock Rovers manager, Stephen Kenny got a few wins over Drogheda, but he has yet to taste victory as Dundalk manager.


The sides met at Oriel earlier in the season and the game finished 2-2 as Drogheda looked to be cruising to a win. The Lilywhites currently occupy fourth in the table and they have a very impressive away form to thank for this. Of their 27 points accumulated this season, 18 of those have come on the road with six wins and only one defeat.


However, Kenny will have to take on Drogheda without the services of his captain Stephen O’Donnell along with former Drogheda duo John Sullivan and Darren Meenan who are all suspended. Chris Shieds is out with a knee injury while John Mountney is a doubt for the game.


Last time out Dundalk were comfortable 4-0 winners at home to non-league Phoneix FC but this came after a hugely impressive victory at the Showgrounds when Dundalk ran out 1-0 winners over the League champions.


Speaking ahead game, Dundalk defender Mark Rossiter told Dundalkfc.com that the 10-day break enjoyed by the team will be a benefit to them ahead on Monday night’s match. “The break did us good but we’ve prepared well during that time off. We’ve had some good results recently in the FAI Cup and in Sligo but each one is another game to us.


"We were still very disappointed with that defeat to UCD but that happens. It’s football and no games are easy, especially the derby up next! They have been going well and anything can happen in a match like that. We have a big week ahead of us now going into the break and we’ll do all that we can to pick up maximum points starting in Drogheda.”


Referee: Alan Kelly.

MATCH STATS

Dundalk haven’t beaten Drogheda in any of their last five league meetings.

The Lilywhites have only lost once away from home, with six wins.

In Drogheda’s last two league games they have conceded goals after 85 minutes.

BETTING

Drogheda United 11/8, Draw 11/5, Dundalk 15/8.

PREDICTION

The Louth derby is unpredictable, but Dundalk could edge this 2-1.

Drogheda United

Injured: Derek Prendergast, Eric Foley.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Gabriel Sava, David Cassidy.

Dundalk

Injured: Chris Shields.
Doubtful: John Mountney.
Suspended: Stephen O’Donnell, John Sullivan, Darren Meenan.