League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Derry City

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United are without a win since they beat Finn Harps a month ago but will be encouraged by their draw against Bray Wanderers earlier this week when they face Derry City at United Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Boynesiders had lost 5-0 to Cork City just four days previous but a much-changed Drogheda side prevailed with a point at United Park on Tuesday in a game they could have won late on.

That point lifted Drogheda off the bottom of the table and up to eighth but boss Pete Mahon is expecting a different game against Derry.

“It’ll be a completely different challenge to the Bray game. Derry are a much more intricate side who will try and play through you rather than going long," Mahon told www.droghedaunited.ie.

Both Gavin Brennan and Sean Thornton are again available after recovering from illness. Defender Ciaran McGuigan is also expected to be available after overcoming a knock.

Drogheda announced the signing of forward Ryan Masterson on Thursday and he may too be available to face Derry should his international clearance to come through in time.

DERRY CITY

Derry City will be looking to make it nine league games unbeaten when they travel to Drogheda on Friday evening.

The Candystripes’ 0-0 draw against Dundalk on Tuesday means that they have recorded two wins and six draws in their last eight games.

A win over Drogheda – which would be a first in the league at United Park in four years - could see Kenny Shiels side move to third in the table, if Bray Wanderers were to slip up at home to Sligo Rovers.

Barry McNamee, who scored a hat-trick in the previous meeting of these sides, is the only doubt for Derry due to illness while Rory Patterson remains out through injury.

Referee: Rob Rogers.

MATCH STATS

The first meeting this season between these sides resulted in a 4-0 home win for Derry. Ryan Curtis opened the scoring before Barry McNamee scored an eight minute hat-trick in the second half.

Drogheda United have picked up nine of their 15 points this season at home thanks to two wins (St. Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers) and three draws.

Derry have earned ten of their 24 points this season on the road with two wins (Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers) and four draws.

BETTING

Drogheda United 7/2; Draw 11/4; Derry City 3/4.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1-1 Derry City

Drogheda United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: Rory Patterson (foot).

Doubtful: Barry McNamee (illness).

Suspended: None.