League Preview: Derry City -v- Dundalk

DERRY CITY 

Derry City host relegation threatened Dundalk on Friday night as they bid to keep their title hopes alive (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Candystripes are three points behind league leaders Shelbourne with a game in hand.

But they can go top of the pile with a win - given that Shelbourne are playing on Saturday.

Boss Ruaidhri Higgins watched his side draw against the Reds on Monday having played the game with a man less.

And he reckons that proves his side are up for the fight in terms of a title challenge.

“I found out that we're up for it,” he told the Derry Journal. “I found out that we're made of the right stuff and let's be honest, there's more than two teams involved in it and anybody that thinks any different is wrong. 

“So it makes it very, very interesting and exciting and I've no doubt after tonight that we're up for the challenge."

DUNDALK 

Dundalk boss Jon Daly has called for calm as the Lilywhites find themselves in a relegation battle at the foot of the table.

The Oriel Park side were beaten 2-0 at home by Galway United last weekend and are now just two points clear of bottom team Drogheda United.

“We have 30 points to play for and as a group, and as a club, we need to have a bit more of a positive outlook on things,” Daly told his club’s website. 

“I think there is too much negativity about the place and it’s really important that we have a positive outlook.

“We’re obviously extremely disappointed with the result but I feel that we can, and will, beat teams in the league if we turn up and play to the levels that we showed in the second part of the first half. 

“If we play like that then, more often than not, we will get results against teams.”

Referee: Robert Harvey.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2-0 Dundalk 

Derry City

Injured: Patrick McEleney, Ronan Boyce.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: Sam Todd. 

Dundalk

Injured: Dara Keane, Paul Doyle.

Doubtful: Andy Boyle.

Suspended: None.