Derry City -v- Sligo Rovers

DERRY CITY

A mouth watering opening league clash between the FAI cup holders and the league champions looks in prospect as Derry City entertain Sligo Rovers at the Brandywell on Friday evening (k.o 7.45pm).

The Candystripes will be starting the new season full of confidence after a strong finish to the end of last season. Although they have lost their two top scorers from 2012 in David McDaid (York City) and Stephen McLaughlin (Nottingham Forest), Declan Devine has been busy in the transfer market securing the signatures of former Dundalk strikers Michael Rafter and Mark Griffin, two time league winning winger Patrick Kavanagh from Shelbourne, Sean Houston from Bray and Thomas Crawley from Longford Town.

They are also buoyed by the fact that some of last seasons long term injury absentees such as Rory Patterson, Stewart Greacen and Kevin Deery are all fit again. They will however be without the services for the opening weekend of Kavanagh who is suffering from a hamstring strain and Sean Houston whose knee injury will need another two weeks recovery. Captain Kevin Deery and left back Dermot McCaffrey will also sit out a one match suspension carried over from last season.

Declan Devine is upbeat about the opening fixture and told the Derry News "It's a huge test but you have to embrace it and enjoy it. It's a good marker for us because Sligo are a top, top side. It's a good opportunity for us to get ready and put on a performance against the league champions. We know the start we have is very difficult but the players are very focused on doing well and hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves."

Midfield stalwart Barry Molloy also commented: "I'm really looking forward to getting the season started now. It has been a long but enjoyable pre-season but it's good to have that behind us now. The game on Friday will be a good test for us that will show exactly where we are as a squad and how far we have come. It's always good to get off to a positive start and after our poor home form last season it would be great to get points on the board early, We all know that in order to do this we must dig deep and perform to our maximum."

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers will be in confident mood coming to the Brandywell having secured four wins and three draws in their last seven visits to the Foyleside venue. They are also coming off the back of a 5-0 thumping of Glentoran in the Setanta Cup and will be keen to get the defence of their league title underway.

The Bit o' Red will have to do without the services of striker Danny North who continues his recovery from his long term knee ligament injury and Aaron Greene who picked up a minor ankle knock against Glentoran. Former Crystal Palace midfielder Kieran Djilali will be available to make his first start and Seamus Conneely returns to the panel after injury.

Rovers boss Ian Baraclough said: “We’re ready now to start the league season. The match with Glentoran did work as a final preparation for the opening match in the league considering one of our friendlies was postponed. It was very good and I think we’re ready to get going.

“We have more options in the squad at the start of this season compared to last. Everyone knows what is expected of them and what they must do when they get into the team. Kieran comes into the squad as another option and we welcome Seamus back following two weeks out.

“I saw for myself last season that every game in Derry is hard-fought. We’ve got the earn the right to express ourselves and try to get a hold in the game. It’s like an annual season-opener if you like between the league and cup winners . There is a local rivalry and a hope for both sides to build on what was achieved last season.

“It's our closest game in the division and we’ll be backed to the hilt from a large travelling support I'm sure which is great for us. It should be a good atmosphere and a fantastic match to open the season with.”

Referee: Neil Doyle.

MATCH STATS

Derry City haven't beaten Sligo in their last 7 meetings at the Brandywell.

The fixture sees the league champions take on the FAI cup holders.

This will be the 50th time the sides have met in the Premier division..

BETTING

Derry City 9/4; Draw 21/10; Sligo Rovers 6/5.

PREDICTION

Derry City 1 v 2 Sligo Rovers

Derry City

Injured: Patrick Kavanagh (hamstring), Sean Houston (knee).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Kevin Deery, Dermot McCaffrey.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Danny North (knee), Aaron Greene (ankle).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Danny Ventre.