Monaghan United -v- Drogheda United

MONAGHAN UNITED

Five games in to the new season, Monaghan are still looking for their first league win but with former manager Mick Cooke bringing his Drogheda United side to Gortakeegan, the home fans will surely feel that a win on Friday night would be worth all the difficulties experienced so far.

With just two points so far Roddy Collin’s side need to get some points on the board and home form will be key to the club surviving in the top tier. But Collins will have to plan without midfielders Robert Bayly and John Reilly, along with centre back Shaun Maher, all of whom are injured. But both Aidan Collins and Paul Whelan return to the squad.

Despite the difficult start to the season Collins remains optimistic. “From the start of the season we have made progress in each game and I believe we are now in the position to start collecting the points that have been narrowly denied us so far... We can get scores but to do so we will have to get a lot more ruthless and attack with more desire... Drogheda have made an excellent start to the season and I am looking forward to a keen contest here this evening”.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Few people would have predicted that, after five league games, Drogheda would be sitting in third place in the Premier Division table, but Mick Cooke’s side look well worth their lofty position so far.

An narrow opening night defeat against champions Shamrock Rovers remains their only defeat to date, while Cork, Bray and Derry have all been convincingly put to the sword. But Friday’s match against Monaghan will be influenced by the curious dynamic of so many players, and the manager too, returning to their former club.

Gabriel Sava, Shane Grimes, Eric Foley, Sean Brennan, Ryan Brennan and Declan O’Brien all played for the Mons last year while Mick Cooke’s departure just days before the start of the 2011 season still rankles with many of the Monaghan faithful.

Cooke has most of his squad available with only Cathal Brady and Paul Crowley ruled out through injury, though striker Peter Hynes is also a doubt.

“I am looking forward to going back to Gortakeegan”, said Cooke, “and I'm delighted that's in the Premier Division. I am expecting a tough game for sure, they might not have a win under their belt yet, but they have gone close and it's only a matter of time. They have drawn away to Pats and against Dundalk so they are by no means a team to underestimate. And of course there are a few players there who played under me and it will make it interesting”.

Referee: Neil Doyle.

MATCH STATS

The ex Mons contingent at Drogheda scored 35 of Monaghan’s 60 league goals last season, adding 4 more in the play-offs. They also bagged 9 of Monaghan’s 11 goals in Cup competition.

Monaghan lost just three of their league games at Gortakeegan in 2011, dropping a total of 13 points at their home venue. So far they have dropped five points in their opening two home fixtures of 2012.

Drogheda have collected 10 points so far this season, something that they didn’t achieve until their their nineteenth league outing last season.

BETTING

Monaghan 13/5; Draw 23/10; Drogheda Evens.

PREDICTION

Adrenaline to win out over form; a draw, 1-1.

Monaghan Injury News: Shaun Maher, Robert Bayly, John Reilly.

Monaghan Suspension News: None.

Drogheda Injury News: Cathal Brady, Paul Crowley - Peter Hynes (doubt).

Drogheda Suspension News: None.