Credit:
Derry City -v- Dundalk
- Jamie Mahon
- Thu, Jul 21 2011
With other games kicking off on Saturday and Sunday, Derry City will be looking to go top of the league against a strong Dundalk side at the Brandywell on Friday night. (kick-off 7.45)
It will be no easy task for the Candystripes however as Dundalk were the last team to defeat them, winning 1-0 at Oriel Park in May. Derry are on a great run of form since then, unbeaten in their last nine league games and will be in confident mood with home advantage and a win over the champions fresh in their minds. Dundalk have been suffering an inconsistent run since the Derry game where they have won three and lost three, but a draw at St Pats and a win over U.C.D seems to have steadied the ship.
This will probably be the last chance for City fans to see their star man James McClean at the Brandywell, as it is believed he is only days away from completing a move to Wigan or Peterborough United. Ruadhri Higgins will be missing the game after picking up four yellow cards, while Kevin Deery(calf) and Shane McEleney(knock) are considered doubtful starters. Dundalk are struggling with a few injury concerns with Eoghan Osbourne(fractured tibia), Stephen McDonnell (knee) and Jason Byrne(hamstring) definitely out and Colin Hawkins(hamstring), Ross Gaynor(ill) and Nathan Murphy all doubts.
Stephen Kenny commented “This is a big test for us. Dundalk have some really excellent players and they have a very good team. They are one of only two teams to have beaten us this year. They have had some good wins this season and they have some very experienced players like Colin Hawkins, Mark Quigley and Jason Byrne while Daniel Kearns is also a danger.”
Dundalk supremo Ian Foster insists his team travel north with nothing to fear. “It’s a game we are looking forward to absolutely, because last season we missed going to the Brandywell. It’s a smashing place to play football and beating them already this season will give us confidence. Friday will be a tight game. We’ll need to start it well and see how long we can stay in it.”
Derry will be looking for a big performance from James McClean in what looks like his last game for the club and in Eamon Zayed have a striker who can’t seem to stop scoring. Dundalk will be looking to create through Daniel Kearns and in Quigley have one of the league's best marksmen.
With the prize of leading the league on offer, and Dundalk struggling with injuries, Derry may just have too much for the Lilywhites on this occasion.
Derry City
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Kevin Deery(calf), Shane McEleney(knock).
Suspended: Ruadhri Higgins.
Dundalk
Injured: Jason Byrne(hamstring), Eoghan Osbourne(fractured tibia),Stephen McDonnell(knee).
Doubtful: Colin Hawkins(hamstring), Ross Gaynor(ill), Nathan Murphy(toe).
Suspended: None.
Referee: Paul Tuite.
Paddy Power Odds: Derry City 8/13 Draw 11/4 Dundalk 4/1.
Extratime prediction: 2-1 to Derry City.
About Jamie Mahon
Jamie Mahon joined the Extratime team at the beginning of 2011. Hailing from the North West, Jamie reports on all things Derry City. He can be contacted at theearcher@hotmail.com or on Twitter @JamieMahon23.