Credit: John-Paul McGinley (ETPhotos)
League Preview: Derry City -v- Finn Harps
- Shaun Keenan
- Fri, Oct 13 2017
DERRY CITY
The Candystripes will be without a number of key players before tonight’s northwest derby with rivals Finn Harps at Maginn Park (kick-off 7.45pm).
Nathan Boyle and Jamie McIntyre are both confirmed absentees for City, while Dean Jarvis and Conor McDermott remain doubtful for the Foyelsiders. Nicky Low is out through suspension.
Derry City sits four points behind Shamrock Rovers with a game in hand over the Tallaght side, with fixtures against Cork City, Sligo Rovers and St. Patrick’s Athletic still to come.
Kenny Shiels’ side currently sit fourth, in the final a European spot, and another three points tonight will be a huge step forward in their quest to bring Europa League football back to the new Brandywell next year.
Ronan Curtis and Ben Doherty return to the squad after representing both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland respectfully at under-21 level earlier this week.
FINN HARPS
Harps are in very dangerous waters and they could sink further into the relegation zone tonight if they come away from Buncrana without a win.
The loss of Paddy McCourt last week at Dundalk will only intensify Ollie Horgan’s problems, but there is one massive positive for Harps.
The Ballybofey sides record against their rivals has improved considerably in recent years and they have recorded wins against the Candystripes in each of the last two seasons.
However, much more is at stake for this Derry City side that was defeated by Harps in April, when goals from BJ Banda and Michael Funston secured an impressive victory at Maginn Park.
Defeat in Buncrana tonight would leave Harps in dire straits and in need of two victories in their final two games – plus favours to go their way – if they are to survive the three-team drop.
Referee: Ben Connolly.
MATCH STATS
Both sides have collected seven points from their last five matches
Harps have failed to win since beating Limerick 2-0 on September 1st.
Derry City have not kept a clean sheet at home in all competitions since July 30th, when they beat Limerick 3-0.
BETTING
Derry City 4/7; Draw 3/1; Finn Harps 9/2.
PREDICTION
Derry City 2-0 Finn Harps
Derry City
Injured: Nathan Boyle, Jamie McIntyre.
Doubtful: Dean Jarvis, Conor McDermott
Suspended: Nicky Low
Finn Harps
Injured: Paddy McCourt
Doubtful: Unavailable.
Suspended: None.
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