League Preview: Wexford Youths -v- Derry City

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Having lost out last Friday to Derry City in the FAI Cup Quarter-Final 3-1, Wexford will be hoping avoid a fourth straight defeat at the hands of Derry as they look to scramble their way out of the relegation play-off spot.

Youths are five points behind Finn Harps with eight games remaining while they sit eight points clear of Longford Town who occupy the automatic relegation place.

In their two previous league appearances with the Candystripes, Wexford lost 1-0 in the Brandywell after succumbing to a 90^th minute Rory Paterson goal in Ferrycarrig Park in 2-1 defeat back in March.

Speaking to wexfordyouthsfc.ie, Shane Keegan welcomed the two games in quick succession against Derry by stating: “With such a quick turn around since the cup game against them. That presents an interesting challenge for us.”

The Youths manager went on to say, “It’s the first of three games in eight days that’s going to have a huge bearing on how our season pans out. We’re ready for it.”

If they are going to change their fortunes against Derry, they may have to do without Danny Furlong who is a slight doubt and Peter Higgins misses out through suspension.

DERRY CITY

Derry City, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their third straight victory over Shane Keegan’s men. Last weeks 3-1 win in Ferrycarrig Park will give Kenny Shiels’ men confidence as they attempt to maintain their Europa League spot.

The Candystripes are two points ahead of Shamrock Rovers having played a game more and are level on points with second place Cory City with the Derry men playing four extra games than title chasing Cork.

While speaking to Drive105FM, Shiels spoke of the extra motivation Wexford will have following last weeks FAI Cup tie; “I think they’ve got some motivation from it, and they’ll be going out to try and beat us. It’s never an easy game this.”

The Derry manager also paid attention to the manner of last weeks win; “We have to play better. Also we got a lucky break when the goal came. If you’re looking for a goal, you’re looking for it just before the two dressing rooms get occupied and that’s when we got it.”

Derry will be pleased to have sealed contract extensions for Aaron McEneff and Dean Jarvis, however, the two players will have to sit this one out through suspension, while Ryan McBride, Aaron Barry and Gareth McGlynn remain on the treatment table.

Referee: Thomas Connolly

MATCH STATS

Derry City won last weeks encounter 3-1 in Ferrycarrig Park with goals from Rory Paterson, Lukas Scubert and Barry McNamee to seal their place in the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup Semi-Final.

The two sides have met already twice in the league this season with Derry winning both games by the odd goal.

Both teams will be looking for three crucial points as Wexford look to safety with Finn Harps five points ahead of them and Derry look to keep their distance from Shamrock Rovers who are two points behind in the search for a Europa League spot.

BETTING

Wexford Youths 7/2; Draw 13/5; Derry City 8/11

PREDICTION

Wexford Youths 0-3 Derry City

Wexford Youths

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Danny Furlong.

Suspended: Peter Higgins.

Derry City

Injured: Aaron Barry, Ryan McBride, Gareth McGlynn.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Aaron McEneff, Dean Jarvis.