League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Derry City

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SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers welcome Derry City to Tallaght Stadium on Friday night in a bid to kickstart their stuttering start to the season (kick-off 8pm).

The Hoops were held in each of their opening two games of the league campaign, and have seen three players sent off in those matches.

Roberto Lopes was dismissed in the Hoops' 1-1 draw against Sligo Rovers, while Daniel Cleary and Lee Grace were sent off against Drogheda United last week.

That means Stephen Bradley’s side go into Friday’s clash with no recognised senior central defenders available – although Sean Hoare may start if he passes a late fitness test.

But Bradley insists his side will rise to the challenge despite their current defensive crisis.

He said: “We're obviously down a couple of bodies and we've had injuries in that area as well.

“We’ve had players sent off and that's on us so no excuses. It is what it is.

“We've given the referee a decision to make the last two weeks and we have to make sure that doesn't happen again.

“But we have a strong group, a strong squad so it's time now for other players to come in and get working, and I've no doubt they'll do that.”



Ronan Finn is a major doubt for Friday’s game while Hoare and Sean Kavanagh are rated similarly.

DERRY CITY

Seeking their first win at Tallaght Stadium since 2017, Derry City come to Dublin 24 with a point to prove after losing out on the Premier Division title last season to the Hoops.

The Candystripes have been installed as title favourites this season in many quarters – and this is their chance to prove they have what it takes.

Rovers will be without their three first-choice central defenders, with midfielder Gary O’Neill likely to play there in the absence of Grace, Cleary and Lopes.



But Derry could be without midfielder Adam O’Reilly after the former St Patrick’s Athletic loanee picked up an injury last week.

And their assistant boss Alan Reynolds is set for a mammoth clash at Tallaght Stadium.

He said: “It’s a game we’re excited about- a really good venue, great pitch and no doubt in front of a huge crowd too” he said.

“There’s very little between the teams and it’s early in the season. People are still finding their feet so it’ll be another tight game I’m sure.”

Meanwhile, Sadou Diallo returns from suspension while Cameron Dummigan, Cameron McJannet and Michael Duffy will miss out.

Referee: Neil Doyle.

 

MATCH STATS

Shamrock Rovers are unbeaten in their last nine games against Derry City at Tallaght Stadium – with their last defeat against the Candystripes at the Dublin 24 venue coming in August 2017.

Derry City have not won away in any of their last three league outings – losing to Rovers and drawing against St Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers.

Both Graham Burke (Shamrock Rovers) and Jordan McEneff (Derry City) have scored twice each for their respective teams this season – although Burke is the Hoops only player to get off the mark so far this term.

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 2 - 1 Derry City

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Ronan Finn, Sean Hoare, Sean Kavanagh.

Suspended: Lee Grace, Daniel Cleary, Roberto Lopes.

 

Derry City

Injured: Michael Duffy, Cameron McJannet, Cameron Dummigan.

Doubtful: Adam O’Reilly.

Suspended: None.

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