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Dundalk's quest to finish in the League of Ireland‘s European spots continues on Friday, when they take on visitors Drogheda United at Oriel Park.
The hosts come into the clash in fourth place with 35 points, six points shy of the division's third-placed Conference League qualifiers spot, whereas their opponents are battling relegation given they are third last in eighth place with just 22 points.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Dundalk vs Drogheda United key stats
- Both teams have scored in 10 of Dundalk's last 13 games.
- Drogheda have conceded exactly two goals in six of their eight most recent fixtures.
- Dundalk have scored in each of their past 10 matches.
- Drogheda have scored three of their last five goals in the first half.
- The hosts have failed to take the lead at half time in any of their last four matches.
Dundalk vs Drogheda United preview: European battle and relegation fight
Dundalk vs Drogheda United — Tale of the Tape
| Dundalk | vs | Drogheda United |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | Position | 8th |
| 35 | Points | 22 |
| 37 | Goals For | 27 |
| 34 | Goals Against | 40 |
| 5 | Clean Sheets | 6 |
| 3rd | Home / Away Rank | 8th |
Dundalk will hope to bounce back from the 2-1 defeat they suffered against Shelbourne on July 3 when they were last in League of Ireland action, with that their second consecutive loss, though they had won four of their prior five games.
While the hosts are six points from third-placed St. Patrick's Athletic, they are eight points from second-placed Bohemians while boasting two games in hand, meaning European football is still a possibility.
Boss Ciaran Kilduff was unable to guide the club to a victory in their last home match – a 3-2 defeat to Waterford on June 26 – but his side had triumphed in their previous two contests at Oriel Park.
Dundalk goalkeeper Conor Kearns is still expected to be sidelined for a significant period after dislocating his knee in March, and his absence will almost certainly lead to the continued selection of Enda Minogue between the posts.
Drogheda must take the threat of relegation seriously given they are only two points above both ninth-placed Waterford and 10th-placed Sligo Rovers, though only 10th will guarantee certain relegation as finishing ninth would see the club take part in a relegation playoff.
To make matters worse, Kevin Doherty's side are currently winless in their past eight clashes, a period in which they succumbed to defeat on five occasions, the most recent of which was a 2-0 loss to Bohemians on July 3.
The Drogs have been forced to settle for stalemates with Dundalk in each of their last three meetings, with their two clashes this season a 1-1 draw at Dundalk in February and a 1-1 stalemate at home in May.
Drogheda striker Kieran Cruise will be absent for another few weeks at least because of a leg injury, and his absence could lead to starts for Thomas Oluwa and Mark Doyle up front.
Dundalk vs Drogheda United form guide & betting tips
| DUN | vs | DRO |
|---|---|---|
WWWLL |
Form | DLDLL |
| 9 | Points | 2 |
| 5th | Form Table | 9th |
| 8 | Goals For | 5 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 11 |
WWWLL |
Form (All Comps) | DLDLL |
Whispers predicts: Dundalk 2-1 Drogheda United
Given the visitors have struggled for form, it comes as no surprise to see the bookmakers back a Dundalk victory at 3/5 (1.6).
However, Dundalk have struggled to keep clean sheets, so it may be sensible to predict Both Teams to Score at 8/13 (1.62).
Dundalk have also failed to lead at half time in any of their past four matches, meaning there could be value in predicting a Draw at Half Time at 6/4 (2.5).
Should both sides get onto the scoresheet, it may be worthwhile to predict Both Teams to Score in the First Half at 3/1 (4) considering three of Drogheda's last five goals have come in the first 45 minutes, while four of the last eight goals they have conceded have also come in the first half.
> Both Teams to Score at 8/13 (1.62) | Likelihood: Probable
> Draw at Half Time at 6/4 (2.5) | Likelihood: Possible
> Both Teams to Score in the First Half at 3/1 (4) | Likelihood: Outsider