Derry City -v- Shamrock Rovers

DERRY CITY

Derry City welcome Shamrock Rovers to the Brandywell on Friday evening looking to increase their unbeaten run to eight games.

Having beaten Dundalk away last weekend, Declan Devine's men will carry a lot of confidence into the game. Rory Patterson came back into the side (after injury) and added another two goals to his already impressive tally. So far this season he has scored seven goals from six games played. They will however be very aware that things have started to come together around Tallaght way over the last couple of weeks, and last weekend’s demolition of Bray Wanderers by seven goals to nil is a warning shot for every team in the league. 

Games between the two sides were very even last season with a win, draw and a loss for each in the league. Derry did however advance through to the Setanta sports cup final at the Hoops’ expense after winning 3-2 on aggregate, having won away from home 3-0 they lost the home leg 0-2.

Speaking ahead of the game Declan Devine had this to say,"It's going to be great to get back to the Brandywell after the last number of weeks on the road. We have been on a good run of form at the minute away from home, so it's about time that our home fans got to see the football we have been playing. We know that this is going to be a very difficult game against a very good side, Trevor has brought together some of the best players in the country and after the great result last weekend they will be full of confidence. Between both sides we have only conceded six goals so I fully expect a tight game. We know we must show Shamrock Rovers Respect but with the start we have made we have set a benchmark for ourselves and our goal must be to improve on that game after game."

Derry will be without the services of Stewart Greacen (knee) Sean Houston (hamstring)  and Kevin Deery due to injury, while Shane McEleney will miss out due to suspension after his sending of in Dundalk last weekend.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

An unbeaten Shamrock Rovers team travel to the Brandywell on Friday night hoping to cut the gap on Derry to four points and get their season back on track after what they will see as too many drawn games.

They will, however, be buoyed by the fact that they scored seven goals without reply against Bray Wanderers last week and will be hoping to kick on from that. They must do so however without the centre half pairing of Jason McGuinness and Ken Oman who are both carrying knocks and reserve ‘keeper Conor Winn who hasn't recovered from illness. They will be looking for inspiration from Ronan Finn and Gary McCabe as they seek to get their title challenge back on track.

Hoops boss, Trevor Croly said: “The Brandywell is always a great place to go and play and we are looking forward to it. Derry are doing very well at the moment and will certainly be a tough test for anyone this year. But we won well in the league last week and we’ll be looking to kick on from that this weekend.”

Referee: Derek Tomney.

MATCH STATS

Both sides have only conceded three goals in the league this season.

Five of Derry’s 21 league goals have been scored from outside the box.

Shamrock Rovers are so far unbeaten in the league whilst Derry City have lost only once, on the opening day of the season.

BETTING

Derry City 7/5; Draw 11/5; Shamrock Rovers 15/8.

PREDICTION

Derry City 1-1 Shamrock Rovers.

Derry City

Injured: Stewart Greacen (knee), Kevin Deery (knee), Sean Houston (calf).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Shane McEleney.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Ken Oman (ankle), Jason McGuinness (leg), Conor Winn (illness).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.