League Preview: Dundalk -v- Longford Town

DUNDALK

Dundalk will be looking to get the second coming of Vinny Perth’s reign off to winning start when they welcome Longford Town to Oriel Park on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Lilywhites comes into the game after losing 3-1 at home to Waterford last time out – but they have a new manager in their ranks since then.

Perth has returned to the club after leaving last August in the aftermath of their damaging defeat to NK Celje in the Champions League Qualifiers.

He takes over the club with the Co. Louth side in 8th place – and on just 17 points so far this season.

A club statement from Dundalk on Wednesday said: “Perth will report to Jim Magilton, the sporting director. We are confident that this will be an effective combination to return the Lilywhites to winning ways.

“We would also like to thank all of our staff, supporters, and fans for their patience and support during this difficult time.

“We are all looking forward to enjoying football and hoisting some new trophies in the near future.”

In terms of team news for Dundalk, Wilfred Zahibo is still in quarantine after international duty while Daniel Cleary and Brian Gartland are long-term absentees. David McMillan is a doubt.

LONGFORD TOWN

After another defeat last weekend, Longford Town head into the first of three games that has the potential to define their season.

Town will take on Dundalk, Waterford and Finn Harps in the next seven days as they look to kickstart their 2021 that is threatening to fall asunder.

But they can take courage from their last game against Dundalk – drawing 2-2, and feeling hard done by to not have won the game.

“They’re not having the season they would have liked to have had but this is why you get promoted, to play against the best teams,” Town coach Stephen Maher told extratime.com.

“I loved playing myself up in Oriel Park so it’s going to be exciting going back up there. The last time we played them we should have won.

“We gave absolutely everything and that’s what we’ll try and do again.”

In terms of team news, Callum Warfield is still out recovering from his long-term injury, while Shane Elworthy is doubtful (concussion).

Referee: Robert Hennessy.

MATCH STATS

Longford have not defeated Dundalk in a competitive game since October 2008, when they ran out 2-1 winners at Oriel Park.

BETTING

Dundalk 2/7; Draw 4/1; Longford Town 8/1

PREDICTION

Dundalk 1 - 1 Longford Town

Dundalk

Injured: Daniel Cleary, Brian Gartland.

Doubtful: David McMillan.

Unavailable: Wilfred Zahibo.

Suspended: None.

Longford Town

Injured: Callum Warfield.

Doubtful: Shane Elworthy.

Suspended: None.