League Preview: Derry City -v- Sligo Rovers

DERRY CITY

Derry City will be hoping to return to the top of the Premier Division table when they welcome Sligo Rovers to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Candystripes were held to a 0-0 draw against Dundalk at home last week and subsequently lost their lead at the top of the table to Bohemians.

And they also lost the services of Mark Connolly to a hamstring injury as he joined Colm Whelan on the treatment table at the Brandywell.

And their boss Ruaidhri Higgins admits the loss of his central defender is a big blow for his side.

He said: “The news on Mark’s injury wasn’t exactly what we were hoping for but we’ve asked the specialist for clarity on the recovery process as opposed to just trying to guess a number.

“Obviously we’ve had a few lads out of the squad recently as well and a couple of them have been very close to a return, but we’ll wait and see.

“The players who have come in have done really well and we have the depth in the squad to cope with things a lot better now.

“We’ve prepared well this week and it’s a match we’re really looking forward to.”

SLIGO ROVERS

A resurgent Sligo Rovers will be looking to continue their encouraging start to the season when they take on Derry City at the Brandywell on Friday night.

The Bit O’ Red have claimed wins against UCD and St Patrick’s Athletic this season – and also picked up a point against Shamrock Rovers on the opening day.

But last week they picked up a valuable point at home to Cork City after falling 2-0 down at the Showgrounds.

Ruairi Keating and Jonas Hakkinen scored for the Leesiders to put Colin Healy’s side 2-0 ahead.

However a late second-half surge from John Russell’s side saw them clinch a point with Max Mata and Eanna Clancy scoring.

But a far stiffer test awaits Sligo against Derry on Friday as they look to continue their impressive start to the season.

Mark Byrne, Gary Boylan and Garry Buckley are all set to miss out.

Referee: Adriano Reale.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2 - 0 Sligo Rovers

Derry City

Injured: Mark Connolly, Colm Whelan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Garry Buckley, Gary Boylan, Mark Byrne.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.