League Preview: Derry City -v- Shamrock Rovers

DERRY CITY

Derry City will host Shamrock Rovers this Friday evening at the Brandywell in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division (Kick off: 7:45pm). The Candystripes will be hoping to build on their extra-time win over Sligo on Tuesday to bring their league campaign back under reigns.

Speaking before the game to derrycityfc.net, Derry boss Hutton expressed how wary he is of Friday’s opponents:

“It’s a tough game. They’ve added to what was there last year and put together a vastly experienced squad.

“Young Michael Drennan is a decent signing for them. He’s a great young player who was doing well in Aston Villa’s youth ranks before he went out on loan to gain experience before he decided to come home.

“I’ve watched him from afar for a while and I know of him, and I know he knows where the net is and he scores goals, so along with Danny North up front as well, they’ll be a threat.

“We’ll certainly be on our guard and we know they’ll be a tough opposition.”

Hutton then concluded with his assessment of his squad and how he is looking forward to the game:

“Unfortunately, we’re still waiting on a few players back from injury. Stephen Dooley will miss out, Joshua Daniels will miss out.

“Dean Jarvis began training again during the week but he hasn’t done anything in terms of impact yet, so he’ll be doubtful. As well as that his partner is due any day now [since this interview, Dean Jarvis’ partner has given birth] so he’ll obviously want to be there when it happens.

“Added to that we have a few lads with bumps and bruises from the Sligo game, Seanan Clucas being one of them, so this week was very much about recovery for them. We’ll have a look at Seanan before the game to see if he’s ready or not.

“But all in all, we’re looking forward to tonight’s game and playing in front of a home crowd again and hopefully we can do ourselves justice and take something from the game.”

Derry will again be without Joshua Daniels and Stephen Dooley who remain sidelined for some time along with Seanan Clucas who is a doubt for Friday’s fixture.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers will make the journey North West on Friday, aiming to continue their great start to the season. The Hoops remain unbeaten this year leaving the Dublin based club in third place in the table.

The Hoops have been in great form of late and have only conceded one goal in competitive competition so far. Shamrock Rovers started their campaign with a bang beating fellow title contenders, St. Pat’s 1-0 at Tallaght, followed by an away trip to newly promoted Longford where they ran out 2-0 winners. The Dublin outfit followed up their two opening wins, with a draw against Cork at home followed by a hard fought 2-1 win against Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds. Coming into Friday’s game, The Hoops have won two games on the bounce dispatching of both Galway United in the league and newly founded Cabinteely in the EA Sports Cup.

Referee:Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

In the five meetings last year in all competitions between the two sides, Shamrock Rovers came out on top overall, winning twice, drawing twice and losing only once.

Shamrock Rovers remain unbeaten so far this league campaign (W4 D2 L0)

In all 42 games at the Brandywell between the two outfits, it is Derry who have come out on top the most having won 16, drawn 16 and lost on 10 occasions.

BETTING

Derry City 11/4; Draw 23/10; Shamrock Rovers evens.

PREDICTION

Derry City 1-2 Shamrock Rovers.

Derry City

Injured:Joshua Daniels, Stephen Dooley.

Doubtful:Seanan Clucas, Dean Jarvis.

Suspended: None.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured:Unknown.

Doubtful:Unknown.

Suspended: None.