Dundalk -v- Drogheda United

DUNDALK FC

The Lilywhites are the form team in the Premier Division and against all pre-season odds they are battling for league glory.


Although form generally goes out the window in local derbies, especially the Louth derby, there is a real sense of confidence surrounding Stephen Kenny’s side, particularly when you consider the fact that they are the form team of the league.


Dundalk secured all three points in the last meeting with Drogheda, Pat Hoban scored with just over 15 minutes remaining and he’s been on fire recently for Dundalk. He was on the scoresheet for his last outing as Dundalk put a spirited UCD to the sword in a 2-0 win last week.


The 22-year-old has scored four in four league games and is the forefront of a very potent Dundalk attack with 15 goals overall this season.


Stephen Kenny will be without the suspended Kurtis Byrne and injured Keith Ward while John Mountney is a doubt with an ankle injury.


DROGHEDA UNITED


The Boynesiders are on their own run of form having won five of their last nine games, they drew the other four.


Mick Cooke’s side will be looking to avenge their 1-0 defeat to Dundalk last time out, a game in which they had chances. But possibly more important is the chase for fifth, three points will keep the pressure on Shamrock Rovers.


Drogheda were unlucky not to take all three points on Tuesday night when they hosted Sligo Rovers, a Paul O’Conor opener was cancelled out in the second-half.


Speaking ahead of the game Mick Cooke said that his side were confident heading to Oriel, “The Louth derbies are always great occasions and in particular there's a real buzz around this game, especially when you look at what's at stake. Dundalk are looking for three points to keep in the hunt for the league, while we are still trying for fifth and to keep our good run going. 

“There's also the FAI Cup next week, both of us are involved and neither of us will want to go into those games on the back of a defeat.”


Drogheda will be without Graham Rusk while Paul O’Conor and Mick Daly are both listed as doubts ahead of the game.


Referee: Alan Kelly


MATCH STATS

In the three games between these sides, including the Jim Malone Cup game, Drogheda and Dundalk have both won one while there has been one draw.


Dundalk have won their last six games at Oriel in all competitions, their last home defeat came back in May, a 3-2 loss to UCD


Drogheda have kept three clean sheets in their last five games


BETTING

Dundalk 10/11, Draw 9/4, Drogheda United 3/1


PREDICTION

Incredibly tough to call, it’s probably the biggest game of the weekend, but I’ll sit firmly on the fence with a 2-2 draw


DUNDALK

Injured: Keith Ward

Doubtful: John Mountney

Suspended: Kurtis Byrne


DROGHEDA UNITED

Injured: Graham Rusk

Doubtful: Paul O’Conor, Mick Daly

Suspended: None