Derry City -v- Shelbourne

DERRY CITY

Declan Devine’s resurgent Derry City side are aiming to go into the mid season break with a fourth straight league victory when they entertain Shelbourne at the Brandywell on Friday evening (ko 7.45pm).

He will have to do so, however, without influential centre half Ryan McBride who serves a one game suspension after picking up four yellow cards, with veteran Eddie McCallion expected to start alongside Shane McEleney at the heart of the Candystripes defence.

Long term injury victims Stewart Greacen and Kevin Deery remain sidelined but Rory Patterson, Patrick McEleney and Mark Farren, who are all carrying knocks, are expected to figure in the squad.

Devine commented "The players will welcome the break despite enjoying a winning run but first and foremost we must prepare for the visit of Shelbourne that will prove to be a very tough match for us. They defeated us 1-0 in Dublin which was a disappointing result for us so we have a chance to avenge that at the Brandywell. They have emerged as a surprise package this season so we'll certainly have to be at ourselves if we want to keep our winning run going".

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne travel northwards suffering from a depleted panel and will be hopeful of repeating their victory attained in the first meeting of the two sides this season. 

Lorcan Fitzgerald and Stephen Hurley are both still recovering from long term injuries and Gareth Matthews remains a doubt after picking up a knock in last weeks fixture. John Sullivan’s red card against Bohemians also sees him ruled out through suspension. 

Shelbourne haven't recorded a victory at this venue since 2004 and haven’t scored a goal at the Brandywell since 2005, so Alan Matthews will be under no illusion as to the size of the task that awaits his men.

“With this being the last game before the summer break I feel that the points on offer are very valuable. Win and you go into the break on a high, lose and you’re a bit demoralised. If we win on Friday night we will be only a couple of points behind second place and I would feel that it would have been a good first phase to the season."

Referee: Derek Tomney.

MATCH STATS

Shelbourne have failed to record a victory at the Brandywell since 2004.

Glenn Crowe was the the last Shelbourne player to score at the Brandywell in 2005.

The last competitive meeting between the two sides saw Shelbourne win 1-0 at Tolka Park.

BETTING

Derry City 8/11; Draw 23/10; Shelbourne 4/1.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2 v Shelbourne 0.

Derry City Injury News:  Kevin Deery, Stewart Greacen.

Derry City Suspension News: Ryan McBride.

Shelbourne Injury News: Lorcan Fitzgerald, Stephen Hurley,Gary Matthews.

Shelbourne Suspension News: John Sullivan.