League Preview: Dundalk -v- Drogheda United

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DUNDALK

Dundalk will be hoping to finally get their season moving in the right direction as they welcome neighbours Drogheda United to Oriel Park Friday night.

The Lilywhites salvaged a point against Shelbourne last time out through a Rayhaan Tulloch goal after Robbie Benson failed from the spot in the first half.

Dundalk were unable to capitalise on Shelbourne being down to ten men for the majority of the game after an early straight red for Shane Farrell which resulted in the missed penalty from Benson.

Damien Duff’s men took the lead early in the second half through Jack Moylan’s second goal of the season before Tulloch levelled proceedings ten minutes from the end.

This was the sixth straight game without a win for Stephen O’Donnell’s men, drawing the last two after losing fours straight.

The last time Dundalk picked up three points was in the first Louth derby of the season, coming out on top against Drogheda through a Connor Malley strike.

Dundalk boss Stephen O’Donnell is wary of the threat posed by Drogheda ahead of their second clash of the season but is optimistic his team can put a dent in the Drogs away record.

“They’ve only lost one game on the road this season and they went up to the Brandywell recently and even though they had a man sent off, they won the game so they’re going to be tough enough to crack,” he said.

“They carry an attacking threat but we have good players too, we have trained well and we’re looking forward to it.”



DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United are struggling along with Dundalk and has not won in their last three outings in the league. Their last win came away from Weaver Park when they faced Derry City away from home courtesy of Elicha Ahui’s first goal of the season.

Their 1-0 victory at the Brandywell was their third triumph of the season, all of which have ended by the same scoreline.

The Boynesiders were unable to pick up points in their last game as they lost 2-0 to top-of-the-table Bohemians, a harsh score line for the men in claret and blue.

The Louth men have struggled in front of goals this season, scoring just eight league goals. The only team to score less in the first 11 games is UCD who are currently propping up the table.

Drogheda United’s games have tended to be closely run affairs this season, with eight of their 11 games finishing as draws or being decided by one goal.



Defensive solidity will be key if the Drogs are to take anything away from Oriel Park.

Referee: Neil Doyle

 

MATCH STATS

In the nine Louth derbies since Drogheda United returned to the Premier Division in 2021, Dundalk have won six with the United winning three.

This will be the second time the clubs will be level on points going into the fixture, with Dundalk sitting in seventh and Drogheda in eighth.

There hasn’t been a draw in this fixture in the last 15 league meetings between the two Louth clubs, the last of which came back in August 2014.

BETTING

Dundalk 17/20, Draw 12/5, Drogheda United 14/5

PREDICTION

Dundalk 2-1 Drogheda United

 

Dundalk

Injured: John Mountney, Gregory Sloggett, Andy Boyle, Cameron Elliott, Louie Annesley, Daniel Kelly.

Doubtful: Robbie McCourt

Suspended: Wasiri Williams

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Ben Curtis, Adam Foley

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

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