League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Derry City

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United welcome Derry City to Head in the Game Park on Friday night with an opportunity to move into the top three if other results go their way (kick-off 7.45pm).

Drogheda breezed past Longford Town, winning 4-1 on Monday and will be looking for another positive result before the mid-season interval.

Tim Clancy’s side have enjoyed a great return to the Premier Division winning six of their opening thirteen league games they are also the top scorers in the division with 26.

The Boynesiders head into the game on a six-match unbeaten run including four wins on the bounce.

In team news Dinny Corcoran, Hugh Douglas and Mark Hughes continue to be sidelined as they recover from injuries.

Brandon Bermingham will also miss out with a quad injury while Jake Hyland is a doubt for the game tomorrow night. Luke Heeney will return to the squad after his red card against Finn Harps.

DERRY CITY

Ruaidhrí Higgins’ side have been in fine form only losing one of their last seven games since he replaced Declan Devine.

The Candystripes are unbeaten away from home under Higgins with the highlight being a smash and grab 2-1 victory over Bohemians at Dalymount Park last month.

Victory over Drogheda could see Derry leave Longford and Waterford with a mountain to climb below them and force their way into a race for the European spots.

Derry City will have to plan without winger Marc Walsh who is missing with a hamstring injury.

Manager Ruaidhrí Higgins was full of praise for in form Drogheda ahead of the game.

"They've done brilliantly this season and are now in the top four. It's going to be another very tough game for us, that's for sure,” the manager said, speaking to the club’s media team.

"In a way it's similar to the Sligo game for us. They were on a great run too so we have to approach it in the same way- looking to be positive.

"The players are looking forward to a few days off after this and they deserve it. They've worked so hard and given everything I've asked for.

"We have work to do first of course so we'll go to Drogheda trying to get three points. We're focused on nothing else for now."

Referee: Adriano Reale

MATCH STATS

The last time the sides met they shared the points after a 1-1 draw at the Brandywell in April.

BETTING

Drogheda United 13/10; Draw 11/5; Derry City 9/5.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 2–1 Derry City

Drogheda United

Injured: Mark Hughes, Dinny Corcoran, Brandon Bermingham.

Doubtful: Jake Hyland.

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: Marc Walsh.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.