League Preview: Derry City -v- Shamrock Rovers

DERRY CITY

The two form teams in the country right now face off at a likely sold-out Brandywell where at least one side’s winning streak will come to an end (kick-off 7.45pm).

Derry City made it four wins on the bounce on Monday night when they saw off St Patrick’s Athletic with ease at Richmond Park.

City were 3-0 up in just over half an hour thanks to goals from Patrick McClean, Gerardo Bruna and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe.

Gary Shaw pulled one back for the Saints but the Candystripes managed the game easily following Kevin Toner’s 19^th-minute red card.

It was Declan Devine’s side’s third away win the space of eight days following victories at Finn Park (3-2) and the UCD Bowl (3-0).

"We've had to adapt to different situations in the past few weeks but the boys have been well up to it,” Devine told the club’s media team.

“The pitch wasn't great at either Finn Harps or UCD but they ground it out. We were able to play more football at St Pats on Monday and I thought we were outstanding.

"Shamrock Rovers are an excellent side but it's great to be back at the Brandywell where we should have a great crowd behind us and a fantastic surface to play on.

"We were beaten at Tallaght earlier in the season but there was very little in it. This is an opportunity to show that the team is improving and we can compete with the top sides in the country.

"The lads who came in for the St Pats game did really well and they're keen to stay in the team.

“That will leave a selection headache ahead of kick-off, but that's no bad problem to have."

Jamie McDonagh misses out as he serves the final game of his three-match ban, while Aidy Delap is unlikely to feature as he continues his recovery from injury.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers made it seven straight league wins – and eight unbeaten – thanks to a 2-1 win over Waterford at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.

Goals in either half from Sean Kavanagh and Roberto Lopes saw the Hoops to a comfortable victory, with Aaron Drinan’s injury-time strike a mere consolation.

The result leaves the Hoops eight points clear of second-placed Derry, albeit with an extra game played.

“They’re having a really good season and Declan has them playing some good football,” Bradley told the club’s media team.

“I watched them on Monday night against St Pat’s and I thought they were excellent. It could have been four or five at half time.

“It’s going to be a difficult game but it’s a game I believe we’re focused for and ready to go and get three points. We did well up there last season.

“They’ll sell out the Brandywell on Friday. The pitch suits us and I don’t see it being any different on Friday. It’s a nice, big pitch that’s good for the way we play.

“This will be one of our toughest games of the season but the players at the moment feel like they can play anyone, home or away and go and get a result.”

Ethan Boyle remains out with the hamstring injury that forced him off in February’s defeat to Bohemians, while Greg Bolger also mises out.

Referee: Derek Tomney

MATCH STATS

The sides have met once already this season, in February, when goals from Dylan Watts and a penalty from former Candystripe Aaron McEneff saw the Hoops to a 2-0 win.

Rovers won three and drew one of the sides’ four meetings last year, inflicting Derry’s heaviest-ever League of Ireland defeat with the 6-1 scoreline in March.

Rovers and Derry are the two top-scoring sides in the league this season: Rovers have scored 20 goals in 11 games and Derry 17 goals in ten.

Both sides’ current winning runs began following dropped points against Dundalk – Rovers drew 0-0 with the Lilywhites in March, while Derry lost 2-0 at Oriel Park.

BETTING

Derry City 11/4; Draw 11/5 Shamrock Rovers evens.

PREDICTION

Derry City 0 – 1 Shamrock Rovers

Derry City

Injured: Aidy Delap.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Jamie McDonagh.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Greg Bolger, Ethan Boyle.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.