League Preview: Derry City -v- Sligo Rovers

DERRY CITY 

Derry City host Sligo Rovers at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday looking to maintain their title charge (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

The Candystripes head into their clash against the Bit O’Red second in the table and are poised to pounce as Shamrock Rovers host leaders Shelbourne.

And boss Ruaidhri Higgins told the Derry Journal: “We need to try and capitalise on it [Sligo's poor form and home advantage]. 

“Our home form has been much better this year and we need to try and maximise it and get the crowd right behind us and give them something to get behind and try and get a big home win.”

SLIGO ROVERS 

Sligo Rovers will be without a host of players for their trip to the Brandywell on Friday night. 

John Mahon (achilles) and Nando Pijnaker (ribs) remain out, while wingers Simon Power (groin) and Will Fitzgerald (foot) will also sit this one out.

Ollie Denham, Wilson Waweru and Owen Elding are doubts. 

And Sligo head into the game looking to bounce back from last weekend’s humbling 3-0 loss against Bohemians. 

“We were very disappointed with our performance last week against Bohs”, boss John Russell said. 

“We all sat down during the week and reviewed the game and to be honest, there were some hard truths.

“Yes, we are down bodies at the moment with so many injuries but that was no excuse for the performance against Bohs. I and the staff are looking for a big reaction from the players. 

“We still have a lot of quality in the squad and in whatever team we send out on Friday against Derry. I want to see the fight and desire necessary to pick up points in this league.”  

Referee: Rob Hennessy. 

PREDICTION

Derry City 2-1 Sligo Rovers 

Derry City

Injured: N/A. 

Doubtful:N/A. 

Suspended:None. 

Sligo Rovers

Injured: John Mahon, Nando Pijnaker, Simon Power, Will Fitzgerald (foot). 

Doubtful:Ollie Denham, Wilson Waweru, Owen Elding. 

Suspended:None.