League Preview: Derry City-v-Dundalk

Ryan Graydon gets a shot away in Derry City's win over Dundalk last Novemeber

Ryan Graydon gets a shot away in Derry City's win over Dundalk last Novemeber Credit: John-Paul McGinley (ETPhotos)

DERRY CITY

League leaders Derry City welcome Dundalk to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Candystripes won their last two games - against Shamrock Rovers last Friday and UCD three days later – and sit pretty at the top of the Premier Division.

Top scorer Jordan McEneff added to his tally on Monday night against the Students – while their win against the Hoops means they have nudged clear of Stephen Bradley’s side in the league table.

But this is still early in the title race and their boss Ruaidhri Higgins knows his side have it all to do this season.

And they also face a tough challenge against Dundalk on Friday night at home.

“They (Derry v Dundalk) always seem to be tight games but we will be going into the match looking to put on a performance and trying to keep this run going,” the Derry chief explained.

“It’s only been four games so no-one is getting carried away.

“We don’t want to hide behind anything either though. We want to improve on last season and improving on that means a very real challenge to winning the title.

“We have the group of players here now to do that but we have to stay focused and try to build on a good start.



“Thankfully we have no fresh injuries but it’s unlikely we’ll add anyone to the panel that did so well across the last two matches.”

Derry City are expected to be without the services of Adam O’Reilly, Michael Duffy, Cameron Dummigan and Cameron McJannett.

Colm Whelan is a long-term absentee.

DUNDALK

After claiming two wins from two in four days against St Patrick’s Athletic and Shelbourne, Dundalk are back on the road on Friday when they take on Derry City.

Stephen O’Donnell’s side are riding the crest of a wave at the moment at Oriel Park with some impressive showings over their last few games.



And they will be hoping that they can continue in that promising vein of form when they visit the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday.

“I don’t put pressure on our boys to get points,” the Dundalk boss said. “For me, it’s about performances and if we get good performances, hopefully, the points will follow.

“We targeted the Pat’s and Shels games over the weekend and we’ve got a maximum of six from six.

“We’re looking forward to another quick turnaround now on Friday and what should be a good game in Derry.”

In terms of team news for Dundalk, they are likely to be without Robbie Benson and Robbie McCourt through injury.

John Mountney is ruled out through a long-term injury. And Paul Doyle is expected to remain a doubt.

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

BETTING

Derry City 3/4; Draw 5/2; Dundalk 7/2.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2 - 0 Dundalk

Derry City

Injured: Colm Whelan.

Doubtful: Adam O’Reilly, Michael Duffy, Cameron McJannett, Cameron Dummigan.

Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured:  Robbie McCourt, Robbie Benson, John Mountney.

Injured: Paul Doyle.

Suspended: None.

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