League Preview: Derry City -v- Dundalk
Credit: John-Paul McGinley (ETPhotos)
DERRY CITY
Derry City host Dundalk on the back of the win having gone three games without tasting the sweetness of victory (kick-off 7.45pm).
This will be their first game without star man Ronan Curtis after he completed his move across the water to Portsmouth.
The fixture will take place exactly one month and one day since Dundalk became the first away side to leave the Brandywell victorious.
Derry took an early lead that night through Darren Cole but it was the Leinster men who ran out 4-1 winners.
Kenny Shields will be without Nicky Low who misses out due to suspension while Jamie McDonagh and Gavin Peers are marked as doubts due to injury.
Speaking to the club website ahead of the game, Kenny Shields was quick to address the recent downturn in form.
He said: “We’re struggling a bit to be honest. We’ve lost Ronan Curtis and Nicky [Low]'s suspension is a real blow on top of that.
“Gavin [Peers] and Jamie [McDonagh] are both very doubtful so while things aren’t great we have to stay focused.
“Dundalk are a quality side, everybody knows that, so we will have to dig deep and fight hard to keep them out.”
The mid-season break could not come any quicker for the Candystripes with a depleted squad due to a host of recent departures.
Shields however as admitted that he hopes to announce as many as four singings over the next couple of weeks.
DUNDALK
We have to go back as far as May 4th to find the last time Dundalk didn’t win a league game.
Since that loss away at Waterford, the Lilywhites have scored 24 goals in nine matches and currently sit second, one point off the leaders Cork.
Stephen Kenny will be able to welcome Chris Shields back from suspension after he missed last week’s win against Limerick.
Speaking to the club website, Kenny spoke about the tough task ahead in his old stomping ground.
He said: “The players are playing well at the moment. It is the second time we are going to the Brandywell in a couple of weeks. It’s a tough ask that is ahead of us.
“We have to earn it and have to earn the right to win the match. We will have to fight hard in Derry and play well to try and get a big victory.”
Dundalk have had a great run of results against Derry in recent times, only losing one of their last ten against the men in red and white.
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
MATCH STATS
Dundalk have scored14 times in their last three league games while conceding two.
Derry City have scored twice in their last three league games while conceding seven.
The sides have already met twice this season the first meeting back in April finished in a 2-2 draw at Oriel Park.
Their most recent meeting on May 14th finished in a landslide 4-1 win for Dundalk at the Brandywell.
Over their last ten meetings in all competitions, Dundalk have won five, Derry have won one and they have shared the spoils on four occasions.
Last three league matches: Derry City LLW; Dundalk WWW
BETTING
Derry City 9/2; Dundalk 4/9; Draw 16/5
PREDICTION
Derry City 0-2 Dundalk
Derry City
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Jamie McDonagh, Gavin Peers.
Suspended: Nicky Low.
Dundalk
Injured: Stephen O’Donnell, John Mountney.
Doubtful: Karolis Chvedukas.
Suspended: None.
