Derry City -v- Shamrock Rovers

DERRY CITY

Derry City will host Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell on Friday night in what could turn out to be a winner takes all game in the quest for European qualification, providing Sligo triumph in the cup final (k.o.5.00pm).

Derry go into the game finally showing a bit of form at home with victories over bottom sides Bray Wanderers and Shelbourne but will be severely hampered by an ever growing injury and suspension list. Long term absentees Stewart Greacen and Kevin Deery are joined on the sidelines by Patrick Kavanagh (knee), Eoghan Osbourne (knee), Thomas Crawley (groin) and Sean Houston (foot). Michael Duffy and Josh Tracey are both on international duty whilst Ryan McBride is serving a suspension.

Declan Devine commented "We will be down a few bodies due to injury plus the suspension of Ryan McBride which will certainly cause us a few problems, but we'll just have to roll our sleeves up and get on with it but I believe we have enough to cause Rovers problems. Whatever way you look at it, Saturday’s game is crucial and if we win it will take us a step towards finishing fourth. They have a top quality squad, probably boasting 20 of the top players in the league. Even Eamon Zayed can't get in the team and it's very difficult to predict what Rovers team will be put out to play against us this weekend."

Derry will be relying on the experienced spine of Doherty, Molloy, Higgins and Patterson to provide the leadership as they look to hold on to fourth place.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers travel north determined to overhaul Derry City into fourth place to give them every chance of a possible European place.

They come into the game in good form having won seven of their last nine games in all competitions but their performance in last week’s losing cup semi-final to Sligo Rovers will be of great concern to Trevor Croly.

Conor McCormack will sit the game out through suspension whilst Shane Fagan is away on international duty. Injury wise Rovers boast a full panel to, with an embarrassment of riches to select from in their large panel.

Trevor Croly said "This is another big game and it is very important for us to get the win. We want to get that fourth spot to be in with a chance of qualifying for Europe at the end of the season. But we will need to perform a lot better against Derry, and for the rest of the season, than we did against Sligo last week if we are to do that."

Rovers have many match winners in their squad but will be looking to the likes of Ronan Finn, Mark Quigley and Sean O'Connor as they seek the victory that will put them in pole position for fourth place.

Referee: S. Grant.

MATCH STATS

Current Ireland boss Noel King has managed both sides.

Derry City have won only three of the last ten meetings at the Brandywell.

Shamrock Rovers are the third lowest scorers in the league. 

BETTING

Derry City 11/5  Draw 11/5  Shamrock Rovers 6/5

PREDICTION

Derry City 2 -2 Shamrock Rovers

Derry City Injury News: Stewart Greacen(knee), Kevin Deery(knee), Sean Houston(foot),Thomas Crawley(groin), Eoghan Osbourne(leg), Michael Duffy(international), Paddy Kavanagh(knee), Josh Tracey(international).

Derry City Suspension News: Ryan McBride.

Shamrock Rovers Injury News: Shane Fagan(international).

Shamrock Rovers Suspension News: Conor McCormack.