League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Derry City

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Fri, Aug 08 2014




SHAMROCK ROVERS

New boss Pat Fenlon will take charge of The Hoops for the first time on Friday night as his charges prepare to welcome Derry City to Tallaght Stadium.

 

Heading into the 8pm kick off the former Bohs gaffer has just the one injury concern as Kieran Marty Waters appears likely to miss out having suffered a slight back injury. However Fenlon will be able to plan his team sheet safe in the knowledge that his side do not possess any suspension worries.

 

Speaking ahead of Friday nights kick off Fenlon said “This is an exciting game to be kicking things off with. I’d encourage as many Shamrock Rovers fans as possible to come along to support the team and really make their presence felt in the game. We intend on having a go at Derry and will do our best to get a result tomorrow night.

 

Having only been unveiled as the new top man in Tallaght at a press conference on Thursday the Setanta Sports and Soccer Republic pundit spoke of his delight at having been given the chance to return to management for the first time since his shock resignation of Hibs back in the winter of 2013.

 

“I was delighted to get the job during the week and I am very much looking forward to the first game tomorrow night. We are in a decent position in the league and this is our first opportunity to start building on that and push into the European spots as soon as possible.”

 

DERRY CITY

Peter Hutton is well aware of the difficulty of the task that will face his side when they travel south on Friday evening in anticipation of their clash with Shamrock Rovers.

 

Hutton, speaking ahead of this week's game, understandably spoke confidently about his side's chances. “We are looking forward to it, with Pat Fenlon coming in it will give the Rovers’ player’s a wee bit impetus. However, going into it, the form couldn’t have been better, we have been on a good run and the players are enjoying their football”

 

In recent games against UCD and more recently Bohs, Hutton has put into affect a new system by implementing 5 across the back with early signs showing that the experiment has been a success.

 

“The back 5 did well against UCD and deserved the nod against Bohs. Cliff and Shane know they have to fit for their place. Shaun Kelly knows that he is little behind but the 90 minutes against Institute did him the world of good.”

 

Every manager fears having to take on a team that has just received the lift that a new manager brings as Hutton admits that the timing of this game could have been better for his troops.

 

“They are on their toes and will want to impress.  it is probably bad timing for us, but we are in good form and will have no fear.”

 

In further bad news for the Candystripes it appears that Michael Duffy and Patrick McEleney may be forced to sit this encounter out due to a very tight hamstring and a dead leg respectively. Rory Patterson and Barry Molloy are also unlikely to feature as the pair have yet to train this week.

 

Referee: David McKeon

 

 

MATCH FACTS

These sides met in the opening game of the season when both teams were under different management with the game ending in a 1-1 draw.

 

Looking at the form guide it is most certainly Derry City who are on top with just 4 points dropped over their last 6 games whilst Rovers have lost 9 points in their last 6 league outings.

 

Michael Duffy could be a massive loss for City as he is their top scorer with 10 goals with Patterson, who also looks set to miss out, coming in with 9 conversions. Shamrock Rovers have been thankful for the five goals that have been scored by Ciaran Kilduff, Gary McCabe and Ronan Finn.

 

 

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 10/11; Draw 12/5; Derry City 11/4.

 

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Derry City

 

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Kieran Marty Waters (back).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

 

Derry City

Injured: Michael Duffy (hamstring), Patrick McEleney (dead leg).
Doubtful: Rory Patterson, Barry Molloy.
Suspended: None.