League Preview: Dundalk -v- Drogheda United

DUNDALK FC
Dundalk advanced to the quarter final of the EA Sports Cup on Tuesday night when they defeated Shelbourne 1-0. Until that game, manager Stephen Kenny had one of the least rotated squads in the league. But while faith was placed in youth on Tuesday, it's likely the Lilywhites will line out with a strong, experienced side for the white-hot atmosphere of derby-day.

Last season saw some very interesting Louth derbies. In curtain opener last year, the Boynesoders inflicted a 4-1 defeat on the Lilywhites. A result which raised eyebrows and questions of Dundalk's capabilities to mount another title charge. By the time the sides met again those questions were no longer troubling Town fans. The 7-0 'Demolition Derby' was a real statement from the side that would ultimately claim the league title, their first in nineteen years! The third of three meetings, was a somewhat less dramatic 1-1.
 

Some extra bite has been added to the Dundalk stable with the successful return of Stephen O' Donnell from injury. He played the full 90 minutes against Shelbourne on Tuesday night and his presence will be a boost to fans and teammates alike. He spoke to the media ahead of the game where he indicated the goal must be to avoid getting tangled up too much in the occasion and  to get the points: "It's [the derby] always a bit of extra spice... 
 

"From our point of view, we will treat it like another game. We have to treat it like every other game. We have got a great unbeaten record in the league and we’ll prepare properly. We’ll train well, focus on ourselves and hopefully we can get the win.”
The match kicks off at 7:45pm in Oriel Park.


DROGHEDA UNITED
It's a tale of two towns thus far in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division for Dundalk and Drogheda. While Dundalk are top of the table and undefeated, Drogheda are without a win in five games and in mid-table mediocrity. The Drogs last outing was a frustrating affair. Spurning a penalty chance, and playing against ten men for most of the game, they lost to high-flying Bohemians on home ground.

Speaking to the media, Johnny McDonald rued the sending off as a false advantage that caused Bohemians to defend doggedly against an expectant home team: “The last thing we needed was for one of their players to be sent off,” McDonnell stated. “Tactically we got it right and we were well on top in the game and the red made the game a disaster for both sides. I’m happy enough with the performance and I think we’re getting to where I want us to be".
 

Although Drogheda spurned a number of chances on the night, McDonald was happy that the chances are presenting themselves and feels goals will come: “I feel we are creating enough chances, we had the penalty as well as hitting the bar, it’s just the finishing that has let us down. We probably aren’t playing as openly as a Dundalk or a Shamrock Rovers, but there hasn’t been a game this season where I’ve felt we hadn’t tested the opposition goalkeeper.” 
 

United will have an opportunity to test out these suppositions against the Champions. Like football fans in the region, it seems McDonald has been keenly anticipating this encounter: "We’ve done our homework in terms of set pieces and team shape so hopefully everything will go according to plan. I’m really looking forward to the game, nothing beats a derby atmosphere, and it will give us a great indication of where we are at.” 
 

Referee: Padraigh Sutton


MATCH STATS
These sides met three times last season. The first was a 4-1 win for Drogheda, the second a 7-0 win for Dundalk and the third a 1-1 draw.

Dundalk are on a 21 match unbeaten league streak at home and can set a new club Premier Division record if they don’t lose.

A draw would be the first successive draw between the sides since the 2009/10 season.


BETTING
Dundalk 2/9 ; Draw 5/1 ; Drogheda 15/1.

PREDICTION
Dundalk 3-1 Drogheda 
 

Dundalk FC
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Jake Kelly.
Suspended: None.

Drogheda United
Injured: Sean Thornton (Hamstring), Neil Yadolahi (Thigh).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.