League Preview: Derry City -v- Shelbourne

DERRY CITY 

Derry City can go top of the table on Monday night when they host Shelbourne at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in front of the Virgin Media TV cameras (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

The Candystripes drew against Galway United on Friday evening and remain within touching distance of leaders Shelbourne at the summit.

"I expect a really tough game, two good teams, and we'll have our home crowd behind us, and we need them to get right behind us,” boss Ruaihdri Higgins told the Derry Journal. 

“It's a Monday night, it's a difficult fixture, so we'll need everybody, players on the pitch, people in the stands, staff, everyone pulling together to try and get us over the line and get us a big win.

“It’s two good teams, and they're really well coached obviously, they've added real talent as well at the top end, they've kept their defensive solidity. 

“But they've added real flair at the top end, and they're without doubt challengers to win the league.”

Cameron Dummigan, Colm Whelan and Sadou Diallo remain out injured for Derry City.

SHELBOURNE 

Shelbourne boss Damien Duff is expecting a stiff test of his side’s early season credentials when they face Derry City at the Brandywell.

The Reds were held to a scoreless draw against Dundalk on Friday night but they have a big game ahead of them on Monday evening.

“It’s a very dangerous game, a very difficult game, on another difficult surface,” Duff said on Friday night, as quoted by the Irish Independent. 

“But we have got a lot of good memories up there in recent years. We obviously believe we can beat anyone home or away.

“They are a brilliant team and that's why they have challenged in the last couple of years. Ruaidhrí took them over, a great guy, a top manager and a top coach, took over a semi-struggling team and turned them into title-contenders.”

Referee: Paul McLaughlin. 

PREDICTION 

Derry City 2-0 Shelbourne

Derry City

Injured: Cameron Dummigan, Sadio Diallo, Colm Whelan.

Doubtful: Michael Duffy. 

Suspended: None. 

Shelbourne

Injured: None. 

Doubtful: Sean Gannon. 

Suspended: None.