Dundalk will take on Drogheda United in the Irish Premier Division on Friday, 12 July with both teams desperate for three points to improve their chances of remaining in the top flight.
Both teams currently occupy the bottom two positions in the league table but Dundalk have at least shown some signs of life in recent weeks. Drogheda, meanwhile, looks resigned to their fate despite much of the season still left to play.
Whoever comes out on top here could receive the springboard to pull off the great escape during the second half of the campaign.
Ahead of kick-off, check out our Dundalk vs Drogheda prediction below.
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Dundalk vs Drogheda prediction: Dundalk to edge slug-fest
Key stats
- Dundalk have won two of their last five matches in the Irish Premier Division
- Drogheda have picked up just three points out of the last 27 available.
- Each of Dunalk's last four matches have seen fewer than three goals scored.
Correct score prediction: Dundalk 1-0 Drogheda
As mentioned, Dundalk have at least shown some appetite for the fight in recent weeks and have learned how to win ugly. Their most recent victory came via a 1-0 win over Sligo Rovers in front of their home supporters and we anticipate a similar story on Friday night.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Dundalk are expected to win
- HOME: 4/5 (1.80) – 55.6%
- DRAW: 9/4 (3.25) – 30.8%
- AWAY: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Dundalk vs Drogheda odds back up our theory that this match has a home victory written all over it. Still, 4/5 represents fantastic value when you consider how poorly Drogheda have played in recent months. If you want to back an upset, then an away win at 3/1 might be tempting but there is very little to suggest that is a possibility here.
There are plenty of other good value bets to consider over the next 24 hours. Check them out via our betting tips for today page.
Last five H2Hs: Advantage Dundalk
Dundalk have got the better of Drogheda in recent meetings between the two clubs with the home side winning three of the last five competitive H2Hs. Drogheda can take some encouragement from their most recent performance against Dundalk, though, as they ran out as 2-1 winners in early May. Interestingly, that was their last victory in the Irish Premier Division.
Republic of Ireland FAI Cup 19/07/24
Drogheda United
Dundalk
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 06/05/24
Drogheda United
Dundalk
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 01/04/24
Dundalk
Drogheda United
Republic of Ireland Leinster Senior Cup 02/02/24
Dundalk
Drogheda United
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 29/09/23
Dundalk
Drogheda United
Dundalk preview: Desperate times
Dundalk have had a fall from grace in recent years which has shocked everyone in Irish football. They are one of the most successful Irish clubs in history and won five titles in six seasons from 2014-2019. However, they are now at serious risk of relegation and need points as a matter of urgency.
Predicted lineup: Munro (GK), Davies, Johnson, Faulkner, Mountney, Keogh, Doyle, Benson, Hakiki, Kenny & Horgan
Republic of Ireland Leinster Senior Cup 07/02/25
W
Shamrock Rovers
0
Dundalk
4
Europe Friendlies 31/01/25
W
Drogheda United
0
Dundalk
1
Republic of Ireland Leinster Senior Cup 20/01/25
L
Usher Celtic
2
Dundalk
1
Republic of Ireland Leinster Senior Cup 17/01/25
W
Malahide Utd
0
Dundalk
4
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 01/11/24
D
Drogheda United
0
Dundalk
0
Drogheda preview: Destined for relegation
There is a feeling in Ireland that there is now very little that Drogheda can do to avoid relegation this season, particularly if they lose to Dundalk on Friday. A reset and a year or two in the Irish first division might be just what they need to get back on track.
Predicted lineup: Wogan (GK), Ahui, Kane, Quinn, Webster, Keaney, Markey, Davis, Foley, James-Taylor & Heeney
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 09/05/25
L
Shamrock Rovers
3
Drogheda United
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 05/05/25
W
Cork City
2
Drogheda United
3
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 02/05/25
D
Sligo Rovers
2
Drogheda United
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 25/04/25
L
Galway United
2
Drogheda United
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 21/04/25
D
St Patricks
0
Drogheda United
0
Player to watch: Daryl Horgan
With talisman James Gullan missing from action, it's difficult to see where goals are going to come from in this Dundalk squad but Daryl Horgan might be the man. The midfielder likes to get in and around the penalty area and grabbed the winner in Dundalk's most recent victory.
The 31-year-old is also a creative spark in midfield and Drogheda will need to keep a close eye on him if they are to have any joy on Friday night.