League Preview: Dundalk -v- Drogheda United

DUNDALK

Dundalk will be searching for their first win of the season when they welcome neighbours Drogheda United to Oriel Park in the first Louth Derby of the season on Saturday (Kick off: 6pm).

The Lilywhites have had a turbulent season on and off the pitch so far, leading to the departures of Shane Keegan and Filippo Giovagnoli which saw sporting director Jim Magilton appear in the dugout alongside academy manager Stephen McDonnell and coach Giuseppe Rossi on Tuesday night away to Derry City. 

Remarkably Dundalk could find themselves bottom of the Premier Division tomorrow night if other results go against them.

Patrick Hoban limped off in the draw with Derry City and will be absent from the game. Sonni Nattestad is also a doubt while Daniel Kelly remains sidelined and Brian Gartland is out long-term. 

Jim Magilton speaking ahead of the game: "We need to win games of football and we haven’t. That’s down to the quality of the opposition, who haven’t allowed us to do that, but we’ve got to rectify that come Saturday. The derby game is a fantastic game for these boys because they’ve got to raise their level and when they do raise their levels you see moments of real quality.”

DROGHEDA UNITED

Tim Clancy’s Drogs have taken to the Premier Division like a duck to water picking up two wins and two draws from their opening six games. 

Drogheda can feel slightly aggrieved that they haven’t picked up another couple of points having conceded late winners to St Patrick’s Athletic and cruelly against Shamrock Rovers in the 95th minute on Tuesday night.

Despite losing the Jim Malone Cup to Dundalk for the sixth consecutive year, Drogs have early season momentum heading to Oriel Park on Saturday and they’ll be hopeful that can give them the edge as they go in search of a first Louth Derby win since 2014.

Mark Hughes will remain on the side lines as he continues his recovery from injury while Conor Kane, Dinny Corcoran and Jake Hyland have emerged as doubts for the game.

Assistant manager, Kevin Doherty speaking about the lack of crowds and being competitive in the big games said: “The only thing missing would be a crowd. This is why we worked for three years to get promoted for these games - Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk at home or away, and now we're there so we're going to try make the most of it and try and compete, which we have done so far.”

MATCH STATS

Drogheda haven’t won a Louth Derby since 2014.

This is the first domestic fixture meeting between the sides since the Lilywhites ran out 3-0 winners in 2017. 

This is a special game for more than one reason, both clubs will join forces to raise funds for former Dundalk player Sonia Hoey in the ‘Derby for Sonia’ by selling out the game virtually. 

Referee: Adriano Reale

BETTING

Dundalk: 8/12 Draw: 14/5 Drogheda: 4/1

PREDICTION:

Dundalk 0-2 Drogheda

Dundalk

Injured: Patrick Hoban, Daniel Kelly, Brian Gartland

Doubtful: Sonni Nattestad

Suspended: None

Drogheda United

Injured: Mark Hughes

Doubtful: Conor Kane, Dinny Corcoran, Jake Hyland

Suspended: None

Ruaidhri Higgins appointed as Derry City boss https://t.co/1RxwSWywVjpic.twitter.com/wI1rFmfjrq

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) April 23, 2021