EA Sports Cup Preview: Derry City -v- Finn Harps

DERRY CITY

Derry City made it three wins from three upon their return to the Brandywell on Friday night against St Patrick's Athletic.

Aaron McEneff scored two wonder goals but it was Darren Cole’s inspirational clearance off the line with the last kick of the game secured the points.

Over those last three games Derry have scored twelve times and come into the game in great form.

Speaking to the club website, manager Kenny Shiels spoke of his side's need to maintain momentum.

"We have three domestic trophies to play for each season so of course this is an important match for us,” he said.

"It is a busy time for us yes, but we want to do our best to progress. I don't believe in disrespecting any competition and I certainly don't underestimate Finn Harps so we'll put out the strongest team we can.

"Niall Logue, John Cofie and Nathan Boyle are still out but hopefully not too far away now.”

One piece of positive news for the Candystripes is that influential midfielder Nicky Low is expected to return to the squad after missing Friday night’s game through suspension.

The game will be Derry City’s second of three in seven days after facing Pats on Friday night and travelling to Sligo Rovers at the weekend.

Derry City have won the competition more than any other club, with their last success coming in 2011, beating Cork City 1-0.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps have undertaken a relative dip in form recently losing to Drogheda on Monday night before only scraping a draw against lowly Athlone Town on Friday night.

But, as with all derby games, the formbook goes firmly out the window and Finn Harps have been known to spring an upset when it’s least expected in this fixture.

All things considered Harps boss, Ollie Horgan was realistic of his team’s chances of advancing while speaking to the club's website.

“Look our form hasn’t been great in the last three games where it has been the exact opposite with Derry,” Horgan said.

“They have a bit of momentum with them at the moment and if they continue that tomorrow evening then we’ll be in big trouble.

“We were poor against Athlone but thankfully Michael O’Connor’s equalizer got us a draw.

“I’m hoping that is a wake-up call because we will need to up our game massively to give Derry a game”

The O’Connor brothers and Paddy McCourt all picked up knocks in the Athlone game and will be marked as doubts for the clash. Keith Cowen is expected to return after serving his one game suspension.

Referee: John McLoughlin

MATCH STATS

Whichever progresses will go one step further than they did last season as they both crashed out in the second round. Derry lost 2-0 away at Galway while Harps lost 1-0 at home to Sligo.

The sides met three times in last year’s league with Derry winning two and Harps winning one.

This game usually guarantees goals with seven goals being scored over those three games.

Over the course of the last five meetings between the two sides, the team that has scored first has gone on to win the game.

Derry City hold the record for the most league cup wins lifting the trophy ten times. Harps have never lifted the trophy but have been runners up three times the last coming in 1985.

BETTING

Derry City 8/13; Finn Harps 7/2; Draw 13/5

PREDICTION

Derry City 3–0 Finn Harps

Derry City

Injured: John Cofie, Nathan Boyle, Niall Logue.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: Gareth Harkin, Liam Walsh.

Doubtful: Paddy McCourt, Ciaran O’Connor, Michael O’Connor.

Suspended: None.