League Preview: Derry City -v- Cork City

DERRY CITY

Derry City welcome Cork City to the Brandywell on Friday night (kick-off 5.45pm) hoping to put their poor home form post-lockdown behind them.

Defeats to Sligo and Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell, either side of an impressive away win at St Patrick’s Athletic, see Derry in mid-table.

However, Candystripes boss Declan Devine, who signed a one-year contract extension this week, knows that beating Cork will be no easy feat.

"Cork will be coming here in good heart after an impressive win against Sligo. Neale will have them up for this one too so we need to be at the top of our game," he said.

Devine has brought in quality players like Ibrahim Meite and Adam Hammill in the transfer window to help boost the quality in his squad, something that Devine believes will help his team climb the Premier Division table.

"We're still looking for that bit of consistency but we have more than enough quality here to get us heading up the table."

Ally Gilchrist will miss the game as he has an ankle injury but Devine has an otherwise full squad to pick from.

CORK CITY

The Rebel Army will be looking to build on last Friday’s 3-0 win over Sligo Rovers when they travel north on Friday.

Goals from Deshane Dalling, Ricardo Dinanga and new signing Kit Elliott helped Neale Fenn’s side to their second win of the season.

Fenn will know that a win for his side will allow his side to move above Derry in the table, but he will also know that that won’t come easy.

"It's always a tough place to go. It's a bit of a cliché, but it is,” Fenn told the assembled media at Bishopstown earlier in the week.

“The all-weather pitch is another thing we have to factor in. They've got good attackers, they're dangerous and they work hard.

“They put you under pressure up at the Brandywell so it's going to be a very tough game and the boys know that. Any result away to Derry would be a good result for us.

“If we can keep another clean sheet up there, with the attacking options that we've got, there's a chance that we will go and nick one.

“We certainly believe that we can go and harm them,” the Rebels boss concluded.

In team news, Connor Simpson has completed his quarantine and is added to Fenn’s forward options. Gearoid Morrissey is also available again after injury.

Graham Cummins and Cian Bargary will miss out through injury.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

Derry will be looking to avoid a third home defeat in a row, having lost to Shamrock Rovers and Sligo since the re-start.

The side met four times in 2019. One game finished in a draw while Derry took the spoils in each of the other three.

Sligo will be looking to score their first away goal of the season when they visit the Brandywell this Friday.

BETTING

Derry City 1/2; Draw 13/5; Cork City 11/2.

PREDICTION

Derry City 1–1 Cork City

Derry City

Injured: Ally Gilchrist.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Cork City

Injured: Cian Bargary, Graham Cummins.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.