League Preview: Dundalk -v- Derry City

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DUNDALK

Dundalk could be relegated on Friday evening when they face Derry City at Oriel Park on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Lilywhites must win and hope Shamrock Rovers beat ninth-placed Drogheda United if they are to have any hope of staying up against all the odds.

But Jon Daly’s men have struggled in recent weeks amid off-field uncertainty and their cause has been hindered with Paul Doyle now ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

He joins Jamie Walker, Dan Pike and Josh O’Connor on the treatment table. 

“We’ve had one win in 13 which is really poor form and it’s disappointing, but football has a funny way of throwing up some funny results and strange things,” boss Daly said. 

“Hopefully, this is one of those situations that people are talking about in years to come, us surviving the drop, eight points behind with nine points to play for.

“As you said, it would be a miracle, it would be, but it’s definitely not beyond the realms of possibility that it could happen. I believe in the group. I believe that we can go and beat Derry, I believe that we can go and beat Shamrock Rovers.

“But you’re relying on Shamrock Rovers to beat Drogheda and you’re relying on Shelbourne to beat Drogheda as well, which are two tough games. They’re looking and probably thinking two points guarantees them a playoff spot.”

DERRY CITY 



Title hopefuls Derry City visit Oriel Park on Friday evening looking to keep their hopes of winning a Premier Division alive.

The Candystripes have won just once in their last nine games and remain two points behind leaders Shelbourne with the same number of games played.

Ruaidhri Higgins’ side also dropped valuable points on Monday night at home to Sligo Rovers in a 1-1 draw.

They were also hindered by striker Patrick Hoban being forced off in the first half.

And despite the setbacks, Higgins is hopeful his side can respond.

“Momentum is not with us but we'll still fight and we'll keep fighting,” he told the Derry Journal. “We'll stick together in our dressing room and keep battling on and see what we can come up with. 



“I've no doubt between now and the end of the season we can win some big games.”

Referee: Gavin Colfer.

 

PREDICTION

Dundalk 1-1 Derry City

 

Dundalk

Injured: Paul Doyle, Jamie Walker, Dan Pike, Josh O’Connor.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None. 

 

Derry City 

Injured: Daniel Kelly.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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