League Preview: Dundalk -v- Derry City

Dundalk's Archie Davies

Dundalk's Archie Davies Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)

DUNDALK

Dundalk will be chasing a seventh home league clean sheet in a row when they host Derry City at Oriel Park on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Lilywhites are bottom of the table and just three points off ninth-placed Drogheda United.

But they have been buoyed in recent days following the appointment of Jon Daly as their new first-team boss.

They also claimed a 1-0 win over Shamrock Rovers in their last outing at Oriel Park.

“Our home form has been brilliant,” striker Jamie Gullan said.

“The atmosphere is unbelievable at Oriel Park on Friday nights and it’s up to us on the pitch to give the supporters something to cheer about and performances that they can be proud of.

“It’s going to be a great atmosphere and a really good game and, hopefully, we can make it seven clean sheets in a row and get the win.”

DERRY CITY

Derry City chief Ruaidhri Higgins is expecting a stiff test for his Derry City side against Dundalk.



The Candystripes are in title contention this season but face a Dundalk side who are mightily impressive at home.

“You look at their league position and might think they’re struggling, and then you look at the stats and see a team that hasn’t conceded a single goal in their last six home games,” Higgins said. 

“They have really tightened up at the back and there is quality both in midfield and attack with players in there who have league winners’ medals.

“I think Jon Daly is a great appointment for them and I’ll wish him every success at about 10 o’clock on Friday night.

“Their fans will get right behind them and they’ll hope to get that bounce that comes with a new manager, so we’ll have to be ready to deal with that.”

Referee: Daniel Murphy.



 

PREDICTION

Dundalk 1-2 Derry City

 

Dundalk

Injured: John Mountney, Robbie Benson, Robbie Mahon, Koen Oostenbrink, Dara Keane.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Derry City

Injured: Jordan McEneff, Sam Todd, Colm Whelan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

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