Derry City prepare for a key Premier Division clash at home to Dundalk on Friday evening. The match at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium kicks off at 19:45 local time, with the Candystripes aiming to build on a recent home win.
Sitting sixth in the table with 41 points from 33 games, Derry City are one place and a handful of points behind their visitors. A victory would be a significant step in their push for a top-six finish. Their last outing was a 1-0 home win over St Patrick's Athletic, secured by a Kévin Santos goal in the 62nd minute.
Derry City's form has been mixed, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five league matches. Following the win over Pat's, they suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Drogheda United. They also progressed in the FAI Cup with a 2-0 victory at Galway United earlier this month. The team's top scorer this season is Michael Duffy with 12 goals.
Cameron McJannet is a doubt.
The head-to-head record is tightly contested. Their most recent meeting was a 4-2 victory for Derry City in the FAI Cup on September 6. In the league this season, Dundalk won 2-1 at home in May after a 2-2 draw at Oriel Park in April. The last league meeting at the Brandywell in February also ended 2-2.
Dundalk arrive after a 1-1 draw away to Sligo Rovers, extending a winless run in the league to five matches. They sit fifth with 44 points. Manager Stephen O'Donnell confirmed Robbie Benson and Hayden Muller are sidelined, while John Mountney is a major doubt.
Their last starting lineup featured players like Minogue in goal and experienced campaigners such as Horgan and Dillon. Derry City fielded a strong side in their last win, with Tom Norcott in goal and a front three of Darragh Burns, Smith, and match-winner Santos.
With both teams separated by a narrow margin in the standings, Friday's encounter carries extra weight. Derry City will look to their home advantage, where they have won their last two matches.
