League Preview: Derry City -v- Athlone Town

Athlone make the long trip to The Brandywell where take on cup semi-finalists Derry who currently are place 6th in the table with only Sligo Rovers three points ahead of them the only team they can realistically catch before seasons end. Kick off Brandywell Stadium is scheduled for 7.45pm.

DERRY CITY

With an FAI Cup semi-final to plan for, Derry boss Peter Hutton could be tempted to rest key players when he names his side to face Athlone Town. A similar plan of action was previously employed before the quarter-finals resulting in a heavy defeat to Dundalk however the Candystripes are six places ahead of Athlone Town in the table and 19 points to the better and Hutton may feel this could yield a better result this time round.  

It has been 18 days since the Candystripes played in the league due to their cup clash with Drogheda United and subsequent replay. Their form in the league has been erratic. A 4-0 win over Limerick away was followed by a 1-0 defeat at home to St Pats. Hutton’s men bounced back from that loss to record a 2-1 win over Sligo in the Brandywell before being thumped 5-0 against Dundalk.  

Peter Hutton will have to plan with the suspended duo of Shane McEleney and Shaun Kelly whilst Rory Patterson is doubtful due to a back injury.

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town take to the road for the next two weeks as they continue their fight to stay in the Airtricity League Premier Division. With just five games remaining this season and a superior goal difference to both teams ahead of them Athlone realistically need just two more points than UCD to reach the play-off spot and five more than Bray to automatically stay up with the last game of the season a home tie against Wanderers.

Athlone Town now unbeaten in five games (five draws) have really clawed their way back into contention but must be slightly disappointed that more points haven’t been secured as yet again last week it was lack of a finishing touch that denied them the full three points against Bohemians.

UCD their nearest rivals have not put a point on the board since their 1-1 draw against Athlone Town in August and have not played a game in any competition since September 5th when they lost 3-1 at home to Limerick FC and this week face a tough game against Championship chasing Dundalk at the UCD Bowl.

Last time out Derry City put five past Drogheda United in their Cup quarter Final reply in the Brandywell after the first game finished 2-2. This followed on from a 5-0 thrashing by Dundalk at the start of September so Athlone will be hoping that they have one eye on the cup.

Both games so far this season were tight affairs with in the round one game played in The Brandywell it was Derry City who secured all three points winning 3-2 before in round two they sneaked a 1-0 win.

Keith Long will have to select without John Mulroy, Stephen Quigley and Graham Rusk who definitely miss out due to season ending injuries while Mark Hughes who missed out last week due to a hamstring injury is doubtful but hoping to return. One big piece of news is the possible return of captain Aidan Collins who has stepped up his training with the hope that he may be in line for a return to the squad for this weekend’s game.

Referee: R Harvey

BETTING

Derry City 8/13; Draw 11/4; Athlone Town 4/1

PREDICTION

A narrow Derry win 2-1.

Derry City
Injured: None
Doubtful: Rory Patterson
Suspended: Shaun Kelly, Shane McEleney

Athlone Town
Injured: John Mulroy, Stephen Quigley and Graham Rusk
Doubtful: Mark Hughes
Suspended: None