League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Derry City

FINN HARPS

Seven out of a possible nine points would be an excellent return against Derry if Finn Harps can pull it off against the ‘Candystripes’ tonight. (KO 8pm).

Ollie Horgan has done a phenomenal job so far this season guiding Finn Harps to 9^th position currently. A great achievement for the club who are undergoing significant financial difficulty.

Financial pressures aside, after making the jump to the Premier Division this season they have launched themselves right into the middle of the table seven points clear from the dreaded relegation zone.

This will prove a big test for Harps and manager Horgan will be using their last two brilliant performances against the ‘Candystripes’ as motivation for tonight’s game after losing their last three in a row in the league.

Speaking to the club’s website Horgan said: “Derry have had an excellent season and are up at the top of the table for a reason.

“We were fortunate to get a draw at the Brandywell earlier in the season, especially with the second half performance that Derry put in.

“We have lost our last three games and would need a huge improvement on Friday to have any chance of getting something out of the game”, Horgan concluded.

DERRY CITY

Derry City travel to Finn Park this weekend and they will be looking for revenge after suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to new boys and fierce rivals Finn Harps on the opening day of the season.

Kenny Shiels young side are going through a rough patch as of late after being knocked out of the EA Sports Cup in the Semi Finals to First Division side Limerick, drawing at Sligo and failing to score a match winning second goal against an unimpressive St. Patricks Athletic side at The Brandywell last Friday.

The ‘Candystripes’ have only picked up one point in their two previous games against the Donegal side this season, while Harps have managed to secure four out of a possible six points.

A last minute equaliser at the Brandywell in May gave the Harps an impressive point, as they made the short trip back down the road to Ballybofey.

With third spot still up for grabs and Shamrock Rovers having 2 games in hand this will prove an important test for Derry as we come to the final third of the season.

If they are to win they could have to do it without a number of key players through injury.  Patrick McClean has been ruled out while Ryan McBride, Aaron Barry, Conor McDermott and Dean Jarvis are all struggling to maintain fitness and will undergo late fitness tests.

"I respect Finn Harps immensely and I expect it to be a fantastic derby occasion," Shiels told the BBC.

"Their manager Ollie Horgan has done a fantastic job on a limited budget. They will go into the game with no fear but it's of paramount importance that we win.

"I'm always loathe to predict the outcome of derby matches as there are so many twists of fate involved and so many things can go against you, including the rub of the green with decisions”.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin 

MATCH STATS

Friday’s game will be the 62^nd meeting of the two clubs, and the 31^st to be played at Finn Park.

Finn Harps have only won six of those meetings, most recently in March winning 2-1, Derry City on the other hand have won 39 of those meetings with their being 16 draws.

BETTING

Finn Harps 15/4; Draw 13/10; Derry City 8/11.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 1-2 Derry City.

Finn Harps

Suspended: Ruairi Keating.

Doubtful: None.

Injured: Gareth Harkin (knee), Damian McNulty (knee).

Derry City

Suspended: None.

Doubtful: Dean Jarvis, Aaron Barry, Ryan McBride, Conor McDermott.

Injured: Gareth McGlynn, Patrick McClean.