League Preview: Derry City -v- Dundalk

DERRY CITY

Kenny Shiels’ men will have left the Brandywell somewhat disappointed to have only gained a point against champions Cork City on Friday night.

In what is likely to be one of the most entertaining 0-0 draws you will ever see, the Candystripes had the better of the chances and controlled possession for the vast majority of the game.

Derry are unbeaten in seven league games at the newly redeveloped Brandywell and will be looking to extend this as they welcome former boss, Stephen Kenny’s, Dundalk side.

In recent weeks the Lonemoor road men have drew with Shamrock Rovers before falling to a 2-1 loss away at lowly Bray.

They bounced back advancing to the semi-final of the EA Sports Cup with a 7-3 demolition of Shelbourne before drawing with Cork City.

Yesterday’s semi-final draw handed them a relatively short trip west to take on Sligo Rovers. Shiels has emphasised that the tie is not concerning his side as of yet with a series of vital league games in the intervening period.

DUNDALK

A Patrick Hoban strike two minutes from time gave Dundalk all three points against a vastly improving Sligo Rovers side.

The win brought Dundalk to within one point of league leaders, Cork City who drew with tonight opponents, Derry City.

Speaking to dundalkfc.com after the win over Sligo, Robbie Benson spoke of how vital the three points were.

“It was a big three points for us on Friday night. The way we won was brilliant. The late wins always feel that little bit extra special. We would have liked to have been further in front and it's not the way you always want to win but it's a great win.

"I thought we were in full control of the game for the most part. We were a little bit off when we were in the final third but we got over the line and it was important.

"It is a huge game tomorrow going to the Brandywell. We only played them a few weeks ago and they are full of confidence.

“It was a great open game when they were here at Oriel a few weeks ago. It will be more of the same you'd imagine and it will be great for the neutral.

"From our point of view, we want to go and win the games. We are going to have a few tired bodies, we are going Friday-Monday for this period.

“There are a lot of games. It's difficult going away to places like Derry but we are looking forward to it and hopefully we can get the three points."

Stephen Kenny will be without Stephen O’Donnell who is out with a broken leg while Daniel Cleary is suspended.

Referee: Rob Rogers

MATCH STATS

The sides met three times in last year’s league with each side winning one game and the other ending in a scoreless draw.

Both sides have already met in this year’s league in a highly entertaining, open game of football finishing in a 2-2 draw.

Over the last ten meetings of the two sides in all competitions, Dundalk have won five, Derry have won one with four draws.

BETTING

Derry City 12/5; Dundalk 19/20; Draw 11/5

PREDICTION

Derry City 2-1 Dundalk  

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured: Karolis Chvedukas, Stephen O’Donnell, Sean Gannon

Doubtful: John Mountney

Suspended: Daniel Cleary