Dundalk -v- Drogheda United
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DUNDALK
It has been a solid start for Dundalk as they have picked up seven points via a home draw against Shamrock Rovers, a defeat against Sligo Rovers and two away victories over Shelbourne and, most recently, UCD. Stephen Kenny’s new look Lilywhites have been impressive throughout their four games and the manner of the victory against the Students last Saturday night was pleasing, even if the performance itself wasn’t.
Already, the border club have, in the opening fortnight, equalled the same amount of away wins that they had in the entire 2012 campaign. They also failed to win any of the three league meetings between the sides in 2012, falling to defeat twice and drawing the other, so they will be aiming to set the record straight early on in 2013.
In team news, Stephen O’Donnell will miss out due to a calf injury and he is set for a spell on the sidelines with the problem expected to keep him out of action for three weeks. The squad were suffering from a virus during the week but they will not be feeling any effects for the derby.
Speaking to dundalkfc.com before the match, manager Kenny believes the UCD victory has given his side confidence while he is hoping his players don’t lose sight of the task at hand.
“The UCD win was massive. These fixtures can give you great confidence. Difficult conditions and we didn’t play as well as we can but we got the victory and that has to give us confidence.”
“Our focus has been very, very good and we’re ready for it. These derbies always have an edge but we can’t get caught up in that. We have to concentrate on the football and go out there to win.”
DROGHEDA UNITED
Drogheda United have had a hectic start to the season and after a relatively slow start in the league, they appear to be getting into their stride just in time for the first derby of the season. Their defeat on the opening night to St. Patrick’s Athletic is long forgotten now. After back-to-back draws against Limerick and Derry City, they registered their first victory of the season with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bray Wanderers at the weekend.
That was perfect preparation for the Wee County derby and they will be hoping that their recent good form can be carried into the Holy Thursday fixture. The Drogs can leapfrog their near neighbours with a win and have had a good recent record in Oriel with only one defeat in their last four league visits. They were victorious on penalty kicks in the traditional pre-season Jim Malone Cup four weeks ago so they will be hoping that is a good omen for them to continue their progress.
In team news, the Boynesiders will be without Alan McNally who is still out with a knee injury while defensive partner Derek Prendergast will also be absent. Gary O’Neill is on the treatment table along with the defensive duo but former Lilywhite Michael Daly could come back into contention.
Referee: Padraig Sutton.
MATCH STATS
This will be the 150th Louth derby in what is 50 years since the first encounter in 1963. In that half century, Dundalk have come out on top on 78 times, Drogheda United have been victors on 34 occasions, while 38 times the sides could not be separated.
There are usually goals in Oriel Park between the two and there hasn’t been a goalless draw since 1992, 16 meetings ago!
Both sides have plenty of former faces in their ranks. Dundalk have five former Drogs who could line out against their former side - Darren Meenan, Aaron Shanahan, Tiarnan Mulvenna, John Sullivan and Eoghan Osborne. The visitors have six former Lilywhites in Peter Hynes, Declan O’Brien, Michael Daly, David Cassidy, Shane Grimes and Stephen Quigley.
BETTING
Dundalk 7/5; Draw 11/5; Drogheda United 9/5.
PREDICTION
As usual, the derby will be an edgy affair but Dundalk should have just enough. 1-0 to the Lilywhites.
Dundalk
Injured: Stephen O’Donnell.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Drogheda United
Injured: Alan McNally and Derek Prendergast.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
