League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Dundalk

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United welcome Dundalk to Head in the Game Park for the first time since August 2017 for a league game this evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Boynesiders lost that game by a heavy 6-0 scoreline as Drogs were eventually relegated that season.

And they don’t come into Monday’s game off the back of a great result either, having lost 5-0 away to Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

In-form Georgie Kelly scored four for the Gypsies that night as Tim Clancy’s charges were easily dispatched of by a potent Bohs.

But that should not take away from a great start to the season for Drogheda who are flying high in the top-flight.

In fact, they are ahead of Dundalk in the league table – and have shrugged off any suggestion of a relegation threatened season.

Although, they know that they are coming up against a Dundalk side who are reinvigorated following the return of Vinny Perth.

And that will pose its own challenge, as they also have to contend with Brandon Bermingham who is a doubt. Hugh Douglas and Mark Hughes are both expected to miss out.  

DUNDALK

After being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Longford Town, Dundalk take on local rivals Drogheda United at Head in the Game Park on Monday evening.

The Lilywhites fell behind against their midland opposition as their former under-19 star Aaron McNally fired home.

But Chris Shields’ equaliser helped Vinny Perth clinch a point on his return to the Dundalk hotseat.

Friday also saw the return of full-back Darragh Leahy to the fold, and the ex-Bohs is hoping his side can build on Friday’s game.

“It’s a quick turnaround from Friday night,” he told his club’s media team. “We were in the sea for recovery on Saturday and we did our preparation work on Sunday morning.

“We need to build on the display against Longford.

“We didn’t win the game against Longford, but it was a much better performance, so we need to add to that with three points in Drogheda and again on Friday night when we play Derry City.”

Referee: Graham Kelly.

MATCH STATS

Drogheda United played out a 2-1 defeat with Dundalk at Oriel Park last time they met with Chris Lyons late consolation not enough to earn the Boynesiders a point.

BETTING

Drogheda United 12/5; Draw 23/10; Dundalk EVENS.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1 - 1 Dundalk

Drogheda United

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured: Daniel Cleary, Brian Gartland.

Doubtful: None.

Unavailable: Wilfried Zahibo.

Suspended: None.