League Preview: Dundalk -v- Derry City

DUNDALK FC

Dundalk head into the sixth round of matches on top of the table and having gone a considerable way to banishing the disappointment of a home defeat to Cork thanks to a resounding 4-0 away win over St Patrick’s Athletic.

The last time Dundalk scored four in Richmond Park, they followed up by thumping a Roddy Collins-led Derry City 3-0 in Oriel Park (Gameweek 6 of the 2014 season). That may be a bad omen for the Candystripes, but their three encounters last season with the Lilywhites were tight affairs and with Derry second only on goal difference this match will be no walk in Oriel Park for Stephen Kenny’s men.

Speaking to his club’s media, it is clear Kenny is conscious of the great start that his former club have made to their campaign and the threat they posed . He was keen for his side to replicate the performance and effort shown last week as they dismissed St Patrick’s Athletic:

“We have respect for Derry City. They are after winning four in a row including victories over Galway United and Cork City so they are in a good run of form themselves and playing well.

“From our point of view, we are all very pleased with our win and performance over St Patrick’s Athletic last week. I feel that we have lifted our performances over the past few weeks and we will be ready for Derry City”.

Daryl Horgan’s comments suggested that he and his teammates were only too ready to take up where they left off. He was pleased with how the champions answered critics doubts at their ability to mount another title defence.

We’re delighted to get a big win. It was particularly important, especially after the last result [agaisnt Cork]– this is a great way to answer our critics. We scored four good goals with four different scorers. Not many teams are going to beat Pats here like that.

“We have a tough game with Derry City next. They’ve started very well so it’s going to be a very tough game so we’ll have to be as switched on”.

Former Derry starlet, Patrick McEleney, is Stephen Kenny’s only injury concern. He pulled up injured a fortnight ago at Oriel Park and will likely miss out on this Friday’s fixture.

DERRY CITY

Kenny Shiels’ Derry City are only goal difference away from the top of the table going into this game. Both sides also have the potential to put six points between themselves and Cork, albeit the Rebels will have two games at hand.

Derry have had a positive start to the season despite an opening day hiccup against their geographically-nearest rivals, newly promoted Finn Harps. They have won all four games since and scalped high flying Galway United and Cork City to claim 12 points from a possible 15.

The Candystripes’ visit to Oriel Park will clearly be an early test of their metal, but an interesting trend has already emerged that suggests there is a commendable resolve and spirit in Kenny Shiels’ side; their tendency to score late goals: Rory Patterson struck in the 90^th minute to claim victory last week against Wexford youths. Remarkably, this was Derry’s fourth 90^th minute goal of this still young season. .

Ahead of this televised encounter, spectators might be keen to see if there are any more late exploits from the Foylesiders. But it’s quite likely that the opening half could be the determining factor in this game. Derry have only managed to score once in the first half so far this season and such a delay to unpack themselves could had the advantage to a home-side who have a fairly even distribution in terms of goal times and goal scorers.

Derry have a clean bill of health. Ryan McBride, Aaron Barry and Louthman, Conor McCormack are available for selection after they return from minor injuries.

The match will be aired on RTE2 and kicks-off at the usual time of 7.45PM.

Referee: Padraig Sutton

MATCH STATS

Dundalk are undefeated in the last eight league games against Derry (winning seven and drawing one). They have managed to score 18 goals in those matches and conceded just twice.

There hasn’t been a scoreless draw between the sides at Oriel Park in nearly 24 years – September 1992 and that has been the only one in the history of the fixture.

Stephen Kenny had a successful time with Derry (over two spells) and has two runners up finishes in the league, an FAI Cup and 4 EA Sports Cup medals to his name as Candystripe manager..

BETTING

Dundalk 3/10 ; Draw 4/1 ; Derry City 8/1 .

PREDICTION

Dundalk 2 – 1 Derry City

Dundalk FC

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Patrick McEleney.

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.