Derry City v Dundalk

Derry City vs Dundalk Preview

A highly motivated Derry City are expected to take to the field at their Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday night when they play host to second from bottom outfit Dundalk in this upcoming Irish Premier Division clash as the hosts know all three points in this encounter would be enough to send them top of the table on goal difference, while Dundalk will be keen to not only bounce back from last week's 2-0 loss at home to Galway United but also close the gap on third from bottom club Bohemians as well.

Derry City picked up a point on Monday night in a 0-0 draw away from home at Shelbourne in what became a heated top-of-the-table clash in the Premier Division resulting in six yellow cards and a red card for Derry City's Sam Todd.

Nevertheless, the hosts have now lost just once in their last eight matches overall in the Irish top flight and having also collected four wins within this period, three of which have been on home soil, Derry City look to be in a strong position to grab all three points here on Friday night.

Recent home wins against Waterford, Galway United and Drogheda United underline Derry City's threat at home especially as the hosts are unbeaten in their last seven home games and goals could feature as four of the last seven matches have resulted in Over 2.5 goals.

Dundalk suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Galway United last time out which also became a third loss in five games for the visitors after previously losing to the likes of Waterford and Shamrock Rovers as well.

The visitors have generally found league wins hard to come by in this season's Irish Premier Division campaign as Jonathan Daly's side have managed to capture a meagre total of just five wins so far this term, four of which have been achieved on home soil at their Oriel Park.

However, Dundalk have also been handed no fewer than 13 defeats within their total of 26 league matches to date and nine of these 13 losses have been handed out to Dundalk on their travels.

Indeed, results away from home this season for Dundalk have been nothing short of disastrous for the visitors as they have recorded just one win in the shape of a 3-2 victory at St Patrick's Athletic, along with with slipping to nine defeats in the process.

Derry City v Dundalk Verdict

Goals look likely to feature in this upcoming clash as well, as four of the previous five meetings between Derry City and Dundalk have resulted in Over 2.5 goals being scored and this trend looks set to continue here on Friday night.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.85

Other side bets worth considering:

Derry City win & Over 2.5 goals @ 2.20

Correct Score: Derry City 3-0 @ 9.00