League Preview: St Patrick's Athletic -v- Derry City

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

St Patrick's Athletic aim to make it four wins on the bounce as they host Derry City at Richmond Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Saints will leapfrog Derry into fifth position should they take all three points on a ground at which they're currently unbeaten in seven.

Last week saw Liam Buckley's side continue their ascent with wins over Limerick and Sligo Rovers.

Ryan Brennan's goal was the difference in Limerick on Friday, while Dean Clarke and Thomas Byrne made sure of three points at home to Sligo on Tuesday.

"We are heading into a really tough game on Friday against Derry,” Liam Buckley told the club's official website.

“They have been superb at home in the new Brandywell and are one of the top teams in the division.

“I felt we were very unlucky to not come away with anything having dominated the game up there."

"We had a really good win on Tuesday against Sligo and we are hoping to continue this good run of form into each game."

Buckley has a full pack to choose from after Owen Garvan recovered from an illness that has kept him sidelined in recent weeks.

DERRY CITY

Derry City face a difficult trip to Inchicore as they look to recover from a demoralising 4-1 defeat at home to Dundalk on Monday night.

The Candystripes' unbeaten record at the redeveloped Brandywell came to a crashing halt against the rampant Oriel side.

City took an early lead through Darren Cole but goals from Brian Gartland, Robbie Benson, Michael Duffy and Kristian Adorjan completed the turnaround.

The defeat, and Pats' win over Sligo, means these two sides are now level on points in fourth, albeit Derry have a better goal difference.

"We will be understrength tomorrow night, there's not much doubt about that,” Derry boss Kenny Shiels told the club's media team.

"Some of the lads have featured heavily during our recent schedule and it takes its toll.

“We'll look at things once we get to Dublin but at this stage I'm resigned to being without a couple of regular starters."

Conor McDermott, Nicky Low and Ronan Curtis are all doubts after sitting out training on Thursday with knocks.

Referee: TBC

MATCH STATS

The sides have met once already this season, in the first televised game at the new Brandywell in March.

A brace from Aaron McEneff proved enough for Derry despite Dean Clarke pulling one back for the Saints late on.

BETTING

St Patrick's Athletic 11/10; Draw 5/2; Derry City 9/4.

PREDICTION

St Patrick's Athletic 2 – 1 Derry City

St Patrick's Athletic

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Ronan Curtis, Nicky Low, Conor McCormack.

Suspended: None.