League Preview: Dundalk -v- Drogheda United

DUNDALK

Dundalk welcome 500 supporters back to Oriel Park for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic started for their game against Drogheda United on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Lilywhites come into the game having lost their last three games, but they will be hoping that a vocal home support can inspire a return to winning ways.

“I think it has been a major disadvantage to this club over the past 18 months not being able to have our fans in the ground,” Dundalk boss Vinny Perth said.

“While we’re still not close to having 3,000 people in the ground, and The Shed singing and dancing, it’s really important that the fans back us through this difficult time and get behind us whenever they can.

“They did that in Tallaght for the recent European games and I think it’s hugely important that they get behind us again in Friday’s Louth Derby.”

He added: “People are pointing at the league table, but I don’t think the position of the two clubs is relevant at this moment in time because there are still 42 points to play for,” said Perth.

“The knock-on effect of the European run has left us with a lot of sore and wounded bodies so it suits us having just one game a week and being able to concentrate on one game at a time.”

DROGHEDA UNITED

An out of sorts Drogheda United take on a similarly out of sorts Dundalk this weekend at Oriel Park.

The Boynesiders have slipped into the relegation dogfight in recent weeks, and they will be hoping that they can put that to one side on Friday night.

Tim Clancy’s side have yet to defeat Dundalk this season, but they will take encouragement from their last visit to Dundalk.

In terms of team news, however, they will be missing Hugh Douglas, Mark Hughes and Chris Lyons through injury.

Referee: Ben Connolly.

BETTING

Dundalk 8/15; Draw 14/5; Drogheda United 9/2.

PREDICTION

Dundalk 2 - 0 Drogheda United

Dundalk

Injured: Patrick McEleney, David McMillan, Darragh Leahy.

Doubtful: Daniel Kelly,

Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: Mark Hughes, Chris Lyons, Hugh Douglas.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.