MATCH PREVIEW: Derry City vs Dundalk

Competition: SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division

Date: Friday, 13th February 2026

Venue: The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium

Kick-off: 7:45 pm

Derry City will look to make it two wins from two at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium this Friday night as we welcome newly-promoted Dundalk FC to the Lone Moor Road.

After a perfect start to the 2026 campaign—lifting the President’s Cup in Tallaght before grinding out a gritty 2–1 opening night victory over Sligo Rovers last week—the Candystripes are back under the lights. This week, the opposition is a familiar foe with a fresh look, as Ciarán Kilduff’s Dundalk side make their return to the Premier Division.

With the “house full” signs expected again at the Brandywell, Tiernan Lynch’s men will be eager to maintain the momentum that has seen the City faithful buzzing since the turn of the year.

The Opposition: The Lilywhites Return

After a year in the First Division, Dundalk secured their return to the top flight as champions last season, and they will arrive on Foyleside with a point to prove.

Due to weather conditions postponing their scheduled opener against Shamrock Rovers, this will be Dundalk’s first competitive outing of the league season. That makes them something of a unknown quantity this Friday. While City have 180 minutes of competitive football in the legs, the visitors will be fresh and eager to spoil the party in their first Premier Division game since 2024.

Manager Ciarán Kilduff has done an impressive job rebuilding the Oriel Park club, blending the experience of club stalwarts like Daryl Horgan with hungry, younger talent that powered their promotion charge.

Team News: City

Tiernan Lynch has reported a largely clean bill of health following the physical battle against Sligo Rovers.

On the injury front, City remain without long-term absentees, but the squad depth looks robust. Speaking to the media this week, Lynch emphasised the need for focus:

“We can’t get carried away with the start we’ve had. It’s great to have a trophy in the cabinet and three points on the board, but Dundalk are a different challenge entirely. They are coming here with the hunger of a newly promoted side and they’ll be organised. We have to match their work rate and let our quality take over.”

Team News: Dundalk

The visitors travel north with a few selection headaches. Defender Harvey Warren is unavailable as he serves a suspension carried over from last season.

There are also doubts over Vinnie Leonard, who has been nursing a quad injury throughout pre-season and is unlikely to be risked this early in the campaign. However, the Lilywhites boast a strong attacking threat, with top scorer Gbemi Arubi expected to lead the line and test the City defence.

Head-to-Head

Recent meetings at the Brandywell have favoured the Candystripes, though form books often go out the window when these two meet.  Supporters will fondly remember the 4–1 victory over the Lilywhites here back in April 2024, a night where the City attack clicked into ruthless gear. In fact, Dundalk have found wins hard to come by at this venue in recent years, but their new-look squad will be determined to snap that streak and announce their arrival back in the big time.

Last 5 League Meetings at Brandywell:

• Derry City 1–1 Dundalk (Aug 2024)

• Derry City 4–1 Dundalk (Apr 2024)

• Derry City 3–0 Dundalk (May 2023)

• Derry City 0–0 Dundalk (Mar 2023)

• Derry City 0–1 Dundalk (Nov 2022)

Match Tickets & Coverage

Tickets for the game are selling fast and supporters are advised to purchase in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Adults: £20

• Concession: £15

• Under 12s: £5

Online tickets are sold out, but limited tickets may remain at outlets for this fixture – details

The match will be streamed live on LOITV for those unable to make it to the stadium.