Preview: Dundalk vs. Finn Harps - prediction, team news, lineups

The two teams are at opposite ends of the Ireland Premier table with the visitors hoping to push out of the relegation playoff place right now.

Match preview

Dundalk were left frustrated during their most recent outing against St Patrick's Athletic when they were held to a 1-1 draw, which marked their second game in a row without a win.

Those two results have seen them drop out of the top two places in the division down to third, but a victory on Friday has the potential to see them leapfrog Derry City, especially since their game has been postponed.

Daniel Kelly's 77th-minute goal helped pull the team back into the game last weekend, which saved them from a consecutive defeat after losing to Drogheda United in their prior match.

Despite those recent slip-ups, Stephen McDonnell's men should be full of confidence when playing at Oriel Park on Friday as they are currently undefeated at home in the league this season.

On top of that, they did secure three points the last time that they met Finn Harps this season when it was Kelly once again on the scoresheet with the only goal to separate the two.

The visitors will be hoping that they can push their opponents for a game as close as that once again, particularly since only one club have conceded more than them this season in the Ireland Premier.

That team just so happens to be University College Dublin who sit underneath them at the foot of the table, but right now there is only goal difference separating them, putting real pressure on Finn Harps.

Another defeat this week could see them fall into 10th place, and they do head into this match on a 10-game run without a victory in all competitions.

Their most recent encounter almost saw them earn a result as Robert Jones's goal appeared to be enough until Derry City responded with an 80th and 93rd-minute goals to win the game at the last.

Ollie Horgan will be desperate to change the fortunes of Finn Harps, but considering the fact they have won just twice all season, it is going to be a tall task this Friday.

Dundalk League of Ireland Premier form:

Finn Harps League of Ireland Premier form:

Team News

Kelly is someone that Dundalk fans will be keen to look out for, with the winger having proven himself to be a goal threat throughout this campaign, including in their most recent fixture.

The hosts will also be looking to make the most out of Mark Connolly while they still have him, as his future remains unclear due to the fact he is only on loan from Dundee United.

Meanwhile, with Nathan Shepperd still sidelined with an injury, it is expected that Peter Cherrie will retain his place in goal on Friday night.

The visitors were without Dylan Duncan, and Eric McWoods in their most recent outing, while David Webster is another injury concern that they are dealing with right now.

There was positive news for Finn Harps from their most recent outing though as Filip Mihaljevic was able to make his return to the team from the bench, and he could be an option this time from the first whistle as he returns to full match sharpness.

Dundalk possible starting lineup:

Cherrie; Macari, Connolly, Boyle, Leahy; Bone, Sloggett; Kelly, Ward, Benson; Hoban

Finn Harps possible starting lineup:

McGinley; Nicolson, Slevin, Tourish; Boyle, N'Zeyi, Connolly, Donelon; McNamee, Jones, Mihaljevic

We say: Dundalk 3-0 Finn Harps

Dundalk will see this as the perfect fixture to get their season back on track after a couple of poor results on the bounce, especially since they are undefeated at home.

While Finn Harps are certainly going to try and put up a fight and create difficulties as they did in their most recent outing, this could be too much for them.

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