The first Louth derby of this year’s Airtricity League campaign takes place at Hunky Dorys Park as in-form Drogheda United entertain neighbours Dundalk, kick-off 7.45pm.
Mick Cooke’s side impressed in their season opener despite going down to Shamrock Rovers 2-1, while they put their first points on the board last week coming from 2-0 down to beat Cork City at Turner’s Cross.
And the United boss will be hoping to bring that form into this derby clash, although he will be aware that form goes out the window when the two Louth sides meet.
Paul Crowley returns to the United squad after recovering from injury, while Eric Foley returns after serving his suspension.
So for the first time this season, Cooke has a full squad to choose from for the visit of Dundalk.
Cooke said:”It's great to have a fully fit squad to choose from. I have some selection headaches ahead of the game. But I'm happy with that. We managed to play a full practice match and it was very competitive and a good standard. So in that respect we are looking good heading into the game.
“In the game against Cork I thought we should have been 3-0 up after 15 minutes and I was shocked when we went 2-0 down. But the lads showed great character to fight their way back and win it 3-2. It's not an easy place to go and we took a lot of confidence from that.
“None of the lads need motivation for this game. We haven't beaten Dundalk in Drogheda in the league in some time and we all know what it means to the fans, so we do owe them one.
“Everyone is really fighting for their place for this fixture. The Louth derby is always a great occasion and I expect a good atmosphere on Friday night.”
Dundalk have had a fairly low key start to the season with only one point to show from their two outings.
And Seán McCaffrey’s side know they will need to improve on last week’s performance after getting well beaten in their opening home tie at Oriel Park going down 2-0 to St Patrick’s Athletic.
And defender Derek Foran believes that the game against Saints was a wakeup call to the young team.
Foran said: “It wasn’t good at all. We never got out of the traps. I thought we were bullied from start to finish. To be fair, I think it came at the right time because I think lads need to know that.
“After the Monaghan game, lads were kind of happy enough with a point and the performance, and they could have thought it might be an easy ride.
“I think Pat’s might have been the wake-up call we needed. You just have to look at Pat’s and what they were doing off the ball and that. That’s what lads on our team need to know.
“The goals were our own mistakes and we could have conceded a lot more as well through our own mistakes. Hopefully, we can learn quickly and move on.”
Foran is actually a doubt for the trip south as he is struggling with a back injury and he will be assessed before the game.
The Lilywhites must also wait on the results of a late fitness test to decide whether Chris Shields will be available for the visit to Hunky Dorys Park.
The 21-year-old has missed the opening two games of the season after jarring his knee in training in the lead-up to the Monaghan United match, but it is hoped that he will make his Dundalk league debut this weekend.
Winger Gary Shanahan is unavailable, which means that Dundalk boss McCaffrey will be forced to change his starting XI for the first time.
