Derry City -v- UCD

DERRY CITY

Derry City will be looking to put Monday's 3-0 defeat to Sligo Rovers behind them when they entertain Martin Russell's UCD at the Brandywell on Friday evening.

They will be looking to pick up where they left off against the Dublin side having beaten them 6-0 at the Belfield Bowl earlier in the campaign. They will however have to regain their confidence after being well beaten by the champions at the start of the week.

Derry will go into the game missing influential midfielder Ruaidhri Higgins whose hip injury sees him ruled out. Tricky winger Paddy Kavanagh continues to receive treatment for his hamstring whilst Thomas Crawley's groin injury also sees him sidelined.

Shane McEleney will serve a suspension after his dismissal on Monday. On a more positive note Stewart Greacen is fit and available to replace McEleney after recovering from a long term knee complaint and there is a small chance captain Kevin Deery will be able to take his place in the squad after his knee operation.

Speaking ahead of the game, Declan Devine said, "After events last Monday, it's great to be able to return to the field so quickly. We need to dust ourselves down and move onto the next big game and for us that's against U.C.D. We know what to expect from Martin Russell's charges, and despite a great result earlier in the season I expect this game to be very close indeed.

"U.C.D will come here looking to get revenge for that result and will be full of confidence after great wins against Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians. For us we need to get back to winning ways as soon as we can and the fact we are at the Brandywell will be a great advantage to us"

UCD

UCD make the long trek north to the Brandywell in buoyant mood after two great victories over Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians in their last three games. They will however be wary of facing Derry City after being beaten heavily at home by them in the first round of fixtures. UCD have improved defensively since then and will be confident of faring much better in the return game. The Students will be travelling without key personnel however with Mick Leahy, Mark Langtry and Ger Barron all failing to recover from various injuries.

Manager Martin Russell said, "The Brandywell always provides a stern test to all teams, we are travelling on the back of a hard earned 3 points v Bohemians. An equally determined and positive approach will be required on Friday night."

Dean Clarke also commented,  "We all knew that Friday night (v Shelbourne) was just not good enough, we feel we are well capable of beating the teams around us. Dropping our standards like that was exactly what we didn't want after a great performance against Rovers.

"We knew Tuesday night's game was a great opportunity to put things right and thankfully we showed up and put in a performance that we expect from ourselves. To get a goal is an added bonus, especially when I come from a house full of bohs fans, it makes it that much sweeter!"

Referee:Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

UCD were unbeaten in their two games at the Brandywell last season.

UCD have conceded the same number of goals as Derry City have scored this season (26).

Derry City's Shane McEleney is suspended for the tie after his second dismissal in four games.

BETTING

Derry City 2/5  Draw 3/1  UCD 15/2

PREDICTION

The Candystripes back to winning ways. Derry City 3 vs UCD 0

Derry City

Derry City Injury News: Thomas Crawley(groin), Paddy Kavanagh(hamstring), Ruaidhri Higgins(hip).

Derry City Suspension News: Shane McEleney

UCD

UCD Injury News: Mick Leahy, Mark Langtry, Ger Barron.

UCD Suspension News: None