Having recorded their first win of the season last weekend, Drogheda United go into the Louth derby with confidence restored as they look to close the seven point gap that exists between them and neighbours Dundalk.

The Drogs are once again without John Paul Kelly (ankle), Shane Barrett (hamstring), Paul Crowley (knee) and Robbie Farrell (knee), meaning that boss Alan Mathews is likely to name the same starting XI as defeated Bray Wanderers last weekend.

 
Manager Alan Mathews has warned his players not to let the sense of occasion get to them as they look to put one over their local rivals.


"Even though the match is a Louth derby, we have to docus on the three points," he said. "We have to play the match and not the occasion. We didn't do ourselves justice [when losing 3-0 last time the teams met] but now we have a great opportunity to gain the three points on the back of last week's performance."


George O’Callaghan and Declan O’Brien are both suspended for the Lilywhites, while Dave Rogers (hamstring) remains sidelined. Better news for Dundalk fans is that Chris Turner and Harpal Singh both return to action having served bans last week.