League Preview: Derry City -v- St Patrick's Athletic

DERRY CITY

Title hopefuls Derry City welcome St Patrick’s Athletic to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Candystripes have lost their last two games at home against Bohemians and Drogheda United.

And they will be keen to arrest that poor run of form sooner rather than later.

But in their last outing against Cork City, Derry claimed a comprehensive 3-1 win at Turner’s Cross as they proved their class against the basement battlers.

And ahead of their clash against St Pat’s, midfielder Sadou Diallo is hoping that his side’s fans will get behind their team.

"We need the fans to get behind us especially being at home and get the place bouncing and rocking,” he told Derry Journal.

“We will definitely be ready. We need to put things right, especially for those home games. We'll be ready going into Friday.”

Mark Connolly and Cameron Dummigan remain out for Derry City – although Michael Duffy and Colm Whelan are fit again.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

After falling to defeat against Shamrock Rovers last week at Richmond Park, St Pat’s will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on Derry City.

The Saints were in a rich vein of form prior to their loss against the Hoops – and have impressed in recent weeks after a slow start to the campaign.

And the importance of the game is not lost on boss Tim Clancy.

"We know the importance of bouncing back after a disappointing result last weekend and we'll be aiming for a positive result in Derry,” he said.

“It's another huge game for us and our focus is on going up there to win.

“They had a big win themselves in Cork and they'll be looking to back that up but we'll be heading up ourselves looking to get back to winning ways."

In terms of team news for the Saints, Danny Rogers (thumb), Tom Grivosti (hamstring), Harry Brockbank (calf) and Joe Redmond (hamstring) continue to miss out through injury.

However, Tommy Lonergan is available again after suspension.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2 - 0 St Patrick’s Athletic

Derry City

Injured: Mark Connolly, Cameron Dummigan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Joe Redmond, Tom Grivosti, Harry Brockbank, Danny Rogers.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.