League Preview: Derry City -v- Shamrock Rovers

DERRY CITY

There will be much discussion about the Europa League this week with Dundalk taking on Maccabi Tel Aviv in Tallaght on Thursday in the group stages. It will also be because Tuesday’s game between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers has the feel of a play-off for entry into the Europa League qualifiers for next year.

Top three guarantees Europe but the Candystripes have also the FAI Cup winning route open to them till the weekend at least when they take on Dundalk in the semi-final. Beat the Hoops in Tuesday’s 7.45pm kick off though and it will go along way to securing third place as it would put them two points clear of Rovers with just four league games remaining.

Kenny Shiels’ men come into the game on the back of a 3-1 defeat in Oriel Park to Dundalk, having won two games from their last six in the league. One of those wins was a 1-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght.

Speaking ahead of the game to derrycityfc.net, Shiels acknowledged the significance of the match against the Hoops. “The next game is always the biggest and this one has added interest because of the importance of getting the win,” said Shiels whose side were comprehensive 3-0 winners when they last played the Dubliners in the Bogside.

“A win would be fantastic for us because we want to get ahead of them. We’ve always been a stone’s throw from each other and it’s been nip and tuck. It’s a chance to get a couple of points clear of them now.”

The Candystripes have played a significant amount of games on their travels recently, with just two home games from their last nine matches so Shiels has sent out a call to arms for supporters to descent on the Brandywell for Tuesday’s game.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve played at the Brandywell and the fans can really make a difference and I would ask them to come out and support us.

“They have been fantastic all season and a packed Brandywell, as we have seen in games against Cork City and Galway United, can really lift the team. I would ask as many fans as possible to get to the game and let their voices be heard and hopefully they can roar us on to a good result.”

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The 4-2 win over Galway United on Friday night saw Shamrock Rovers leapfrog Derry City in the table to land themselves into the third and final qualifying spot for Europe from the league.

The Hoops are hoping to earn their qualification through this route rather than having to rely on Derry City, Dundalk or Cork City winning the cup which will enable the fourth placed team qualify for Europe.

If St. Patrick’s Athletic were to win the FAI Cup and Rovers finish fourth, like in 2012, then Rovers will miss out on Europe so the Hoops will be seeking an important away win in Derry on Tuesday as backup.

That win last Friday in Tallaght came in a landmark game for Rovers – their 1,000^th Premier Division game. The Brandywell is the venue where they have most defeats away games – 18 in total.

Rovers have lost their last three to Derry, failing to win a league fixture against the Candystripes since 2014. If Rovers can get a victory over Derry, they will have a four point cushion over City with just four games remaining.

Sami Ristila, Rovers' first team manager, spoke with Extratime.ie after Friday’s win with the Finn delighted with the victory for his team coming on the back of a hard fought draw in Dundalk a few days ahead of the Galway game, as the club moved on from their back-to-back home and away defeats to Cork City.

“Our attitude has been brilliant throughout the last couple of games and we've got four points out of Dundalk away and home against Galway. That's what we've done, and now we're happy going up to Derry next week.”

Rovers’ attacking performance on Friday night has fans in a positive frame of mind at the conclusion to a game where twice Galway drew level before a Sean Heaney header and sparkling goal on the breakaway earned the win. That final goal was scored by Gary McCabe – it was his tenth goal in all competitions this season and his 40^th league goal for the Hoops.

Ristila was delighted with McCabe’s performance in centre midfield. “He’d a lot of good passes and good decisions on the ball, and obviously the goal was well-taken from an experienced player.”

Rovers reverted to a flat back four in those last two matches and away from home on Tuesday they will likely do so again but Robert Cornwall is a doubt for Rovers after picking up an injury in the Galway game.

“Derry are in good form and that is a big challenge. Our aim now is to finish this season strong and try to get to the European spots which would be massive for the club. Everything is in our own hands, which is good. It's going to be a massive game obviously for both, but there are still four more games after that.”

Referee: Robert Harvey.

MATCH STATS

Derry City have lost just two games in their last 15 league outings, both against Dundalk.

Aaron Bolger, who was a second half substitute last week, at 16 years and 234 days was the youngest league debutant for Shamrock Rovers since 1978 when Richie Bayly lined out for the Hoops (16 years and 204 days).

Rory Patterson is top scorer for the Candystripes in the league with 12 goals. Gary McCabe is the highest for the Hoops with eight league strikes.

BETTING

Derry City 13/10; Draw 21/10; Shamrock Rovers 21/10.

PREDICTION

Derry City 1-1 Shamrock Rovers

Derry City

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: Unkown.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Luke Byrne.

Doubtful: Rob Cornwall.

Suspended: Sean Heaney (to be confirmed).