Dundalk -v- Derry City
Credit:
DUNDALK
Dundalk go into this weekend’s game still under the strain of financial pressure off the field, but on the field they have a little more optimism. Last weekend they gained an outstanding point at home to the champions Shamrock Rovers. In a match where they could have taken all three points, they displayed superb fighting spirit and heart to claim their first home point since the beginning of April.
They will be hoping to carry that performance into this weekend’s home fixture with Derry City. Also in April Dundalk managed to record a very impressive 2-1 victory at the Brandywell over Friday night’s opponents.
Darius Kierans took charge of the Lilywhites for the first time last week following the departure of manager Sean McCaffrey last Thursday. Kierans remains in caretaker charge this weekend with no word on whether he gets the role on a permanent basis. If there is to be any
repeat of last weekend’s heroics, Dundalk will have to do it without the services of long-term absentee Luke Danville who has a knee ligament injury, Conor McDonald remains out with an ankle injury,
Eoghan Osborne who missed out last weekend will remain out with a shin injury while Shane O’Neill is troubled by a groin problem. Centre- back, Liam Burns, who was forced off midway through last weekend’s encounter with the champions is doubtful with a dead leg. On the plus side Michael Rafter returns to contention following a hamstring injury and Peter Cherrie makes his 100th appearance for the Lilywhites. Left sided player Dan Cunningham and goalkeeper Ger Hanley have left the club following disappointing spells.
Speaking to dundalkfc.com before the game, caretaker boss Darius Kierans knows that they must now start picking up points and building on last week’s result and is under no illusions over the challenge they face this weekend.
“It’s vital that we start getting points and wins on the board on a regular basis. UCD are a good team and they always finish the season strongly.
“Derry have some fantastic players, a lot of match-winners in their squad. For me, Derry are one of the top three teams in the country, so it’s going to be difficult. What happened in The Brandywell is long gone.”
DERRY CITY
Derry City come into this one on the back of a somewhat unlucky defeat to Sligo Rovers last weekend. They were denied a point at home to the league leaders by a late Mark Quigley goal but they performed very well throughout the encounter. Derry will feel aggrieved that they didn’t take at least a point but will be hoping to take that performance into the game this weekend as they look to get back on track. The Candystripes will be out for revenge after losing to Dundalk three months ago to the day.
Declan Devine will be hopeful of gaining victory at the border venue on Friday evening but with Dundalk having picked up a precious point last weekend against Shamrock Rovers, he will know not to underestimate their lower-placed opponents.
If the Foylesiders are to come away from Oriel Park with anything then they will have to do it without the services of centre-back Stewart Greacen who is out with a knee injury, Kevin Deery who is also ruled out with a knee problem and frontman Rory Patterson who is suffering from a hamstring problem. Ruadhri Higgins misses out through suspension. Derry City will however able to call on the services of Stephen McLaughlin and former Lilywhite Simon Madden as they return from suspension while Mark Farren is in with a chance of playing as he returned to training this week.
Speaking in the press release before the match, Derry City boss Declan Devine knows that his side won’t have an easy task but is confident his side can gain something if they produce a performance like last week.
“Dundalk are coming into the fixture off a good result last week at home to Shamrock Rovers, and their players will be looking to impress in every game until a new manager has been appointed.
“But from our own point of view we need to build on last week’s performance and once again give a good account of ourselves. We will have some players back for this game so we should be in a better position to go and compete".
Referee- Paul McLaughlin
MATCH STATS
Peter Cherrie makes his 100th league appearance three years to the week since he signed for Dundalk.
Former Dundalk captain Simon Madden returns to Oriel Park playing for Derry City. Madden played 50 consecutive competitive games for the Lilywhites in one and a half seasons having not picked up injury or suspension during that time.
In the nine meetings between the sides in the Premier Division in the past few seasons there have been four wins each and one solitary draw. Of those meetings at Oriel Park, both Dundalk and Derry have two wins each.
BETTING
Dundalk-10/3 Draw-9/4 Derry City-17/20
PREDICTION
After Dundalk’s good home performance last week and Derry City’s narrow defeat against Sligo Rovers, it’s hard to separate them and a draw is the most likely outcome. 2-2.
Dundalk injury news: Conor McDonald(ankle), Luke Danville(medial knee ligaments), Eoghan Osborne(shin), Shane O’Neill(groin), Liam Burns(doubtful)
Dundalk Suspension News: None.
Derry City injury news: Stewart Greacen(knee), Kevin Deery(knee), Rory Patterson(hamstring)
Derry City Suspension News: Ruadhri Higgins.
