League Preview: Dundalk -v- Drogheda United

DUNDALK

Dundalk manager Stephen O’Donnell is aiming to regroup ahead of an Easter Monday clash with fierce rivals Drogheda United (kick-off is at 1pm.)

Cameron Elliott is the only injury concern for Dundalk ahead of the mid-day clash, as they come off the back of a 2-1 away defeat at Shelbourne.

The Lilywhites are the first hosts of the Louth Derby in 2024, but after a concerning start to the season, O’Donnell’s men will have to sharpen their play before this huge fixture.

“We need to dust ourselves down and get ready for an early kick-off on Monday,” the Dundalk boss explained.

“The Louth Derby is a massive game, on a bank holiday Monday, which we need to get ourselves ready for.”

The home side took three points in all four Louth Derby’s last season, with 3-2 and 3-1 victories at Oriel Park.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United travel to their biggest rivals without any major injuries, Matthew O’Brien remains the only certain absentee following a bout with tonsilitis.

The Boynesiders will look to back up a positive performance at home to St Patrick’s Athletic, a much-needed point in a 0-0 draw. They had multiple chances to take all three but couldn’t find the back of the net.

The club has issued a statement today regarding flares and pyrotechnics following an incident last season that resulted in Drogheda fans being banned from the next away match against Shamrock Rovers.

Drogheda won the Jim Malone/Leinster Senior Cup tie in this venue in February but have not won in the league there since 2021, when Mark Doyle’s brace secured a big victory for the Drogs.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

PREDICTION

Dundalk 1-2 Drogheda United

Dundalk

Injured: Andy Boyle, Jamie Walker, Dara Keane.

Doubtful: Cameron Elliott.

Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: Matthew O’Brien.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.