League Preview: Derry City -v- Dundalk

• Andrew Dempsey
• Mon, May 15 2023




DERRY CITY

Derry City welcome Stephen O’Donnell’s Dundalk to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Monday night as they look to keep pace with leaders Shamrock Rovers.

Ahead of their 7.45pm kick-off, the Candystripes come into the game off the back of a resolute 1-0 win over Bohemians on Friday evening.

Ryan Graydon’s goal proved to be the difference between the teams – but their boss Ruaidhri Higgins believes his side still have more levels to reach.

“It’s a big game,” he said when speaking to the Belfast Telegraph. “We’re going to have to be right at it to win the game and hopefully we can pick up a massive three points.

“We need to put on a good performance. I don’t think we have hit our full heights yet.

“We haven’t really put a 90-minute performance together and we need to do what we did in the first 45 at Bohs.

“I said about a month ago, if we can keep digging in and hanging in there, we’re well set up to go on a really good run and hopefully mount a decent challenge.”

Derry City are nearing a return for defender Mark Connolly and midfielder Patrick McEleney.

However, striker Colm Whelan and Ciaron Harkin are out.

DUNDALK

Injury-hit Dundalk have it all to do when they make the long trip to Derry this evening.

The Lilywhites secured a late, great win on Friday against Cork City – with Cameron Elliott and Patrick Hoban striking in second half additional time to seal the win.

But an away trip to Derry City is a far tougher test for O’Donnell’s side.

“It’s very important we recover and rehydrate because the Brandywell will be on us before we know it,” the boss said.

“It’ll be a tough game so we’ll be in over the weekend and we’ll get focused and ready for Monday night.”

Andy Boyle, Greg Sloggett, Louie Annesley, Robbie Benson and John Mountney are ruled out through injury.

Referee: Rob Harvey.

 

PREDICTION

Derry City 2-0 Dundalk

 

Derry City

Injured: Ciaron Harkin, Colm Whelan, Patrick McEleney.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Dundalk

Injured: Andy Boyle, Greg Sloggett, Louie Annesley, Robbie Benson, John Mountney.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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