Credit: John-Paul McGinley (ETPhotos)
League Preview: Dundalk -v- Derry City
- Dave Donnelly
- Tue, May 23 2017
DUNDALK
Dundalk have an opportunity to cement their position at second in the table when they welcome fourth-placed Derry City to Oriel Park on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45pm).
Stephen Kenny's side have bounced back from back-to-back defeats to Galway United and Shamrock Rovers with comprehensive wins over Sligo Rovers and Limerick.
And Kenny will hope to make it three on the bounce when the club he spent six years as manager in two separate spells roll into town.
It will be no easy task for the Lilywhites however, after they fell to their first defeat on the season in the reverse fixture at Maginn Park back in March.
“The players have responded well to the two consecutive defeats with seven goals in the last two games without reply,” Kenny told the club's official website.
“We face a very stern test with Derry City who have done really well recently and had a good win themselves.
“Our players are really starting to play with confidence and the new players are settling in well so we are playing well ourselves. We want to take that into tomorrow’s game and get the victory.”
Dundalk will again be without injured trio Brian Gartland, Shane Grimes and John Mountney but Everton loanee Steven Kinsella is fit again after recovering from a hamstring strain.
DERRY CITY
Kenny Shiels has steadied the ship at Derry City ever since their scintillating early-season form was halted by the tragedy that befell the club with the passing of captain Ryan McBride.
The Candystripes are now unbeaten in seven games and secured a vital victory over Shamrock Rovers at Maginn Park on Friday, a result that takes them right back into contention for second place.
A win over the champions at Oriel Park – a result Derry haven't managed since a 3-1 win in 2013 – would take them to within a point of Stephen Kenny's side.
“Dundalk are always a threat [and] they have a lot of quality,” Shiels told the club's official website.
“We need to match their performance and if we do that we have a chance. We have to managed the game in stages and we have to add to that in performance.
“If we can get a performance similar to Friday then we have a chance.”
Shiels will have to do without striker Rory Patterson, who is a long-term injury, while Dean Jarvis and Nicky Low are doubts after picking up injuries in the win over Rovers.
Referee: Neil Doyle
MATCH STATS
The sides have met once so far this season, with goals from Nathan Boyle. Barry McNamee and the late Ryan McBride sending Derry on their way to a 3-1 win in Buncrana.
The two played each other five times last season in all competitions, with Dundalk winning two league games after a 1-1 draw at Oriel Park.
An FAI Cup semi-final was drawn 2-2 at Oriel Park before the Lilywhites emerged with a 2-1 win at the Brandwell to reach the final, which they lost to Cork City.
BETTING
Dundalk 8/15; Draw 3/1; Derry City 5/1.
PREDICTION
Dundalk 1 – 1 Derry City
Dundalk
Injured: Brian Gartland (hamstring), Shane Grimes (muscle), John Mountney (groin).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Derry City
Injured: Rory Patterson.
Doubtful: Nicky Low, Dean Jarvis.
Suspended: None.
