League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Derry City

• Shaun Keenan
• Mon, Jul 24 2017




FINN HARPS

Harps welcome Derry City to Finn Park in the north-west derby after the original game was postponed due to the Candystripes' Europa League schedule (kick-off 8pm).

 

The Blue and White Army have been in decent form lately, picking up six points from their last two games against Drogheda and Bohemians.

 

It has been ten days since Harps last played a game of football, meaning Ollie Horgan’s side would have more time on the training field as they aim to put a dent in Derry City’s European aspirations.

 

The Donegal team have an excellent league record in recent times against the Candystripes, collecting eight points from the pair's last four encounters.

 

“That was a great three points for us at Maginn Park but that is gone now and we must be fully focused on tomorrow night’s game otherwise Derry will win,” Horgan told the club's media team.

 

“You can’t forget that Derry, the last time they were here beat us 5-0. If they are at their best it’s going to be very difficult for us to get anything from the game.

 

“Derry had a good win over Bohs on Friday night and are well on their way to qualifying for European football again,” he said.

 

Harps will need to be at their very best to get something from the game, but Danny Morrissey, Barry Molloy and Ethan Boyle are all expected to miss the game on Monday night.

 

“We’ll have to make at least one change from the Bohs match with Danny Morrissey out,” Horgan said.

 

“Barry Molloy is struggling again with an ankle injury, and Ethan Boyle is not fully recovered yet after having had to pull out just before that same game against Bohs.

 

“We are also awaiting news from the FAI on whether we have any suspensions for tomorrow night’s game.”

 

DERRY CITY

It's a huge game for Derry City in their quest to secure European football next season.

 

After coming away from Dalymount Park with three points on Friday night, which would have been a huge boost for Kenny Shiels, the Candystripes now have the task of putting back-to-back wins together for the first time since March.

 

The Foylesiders will be without Aaron Barry for Monday’s clash in Ballybofey after the centre defender saw red against Bohemians on Friday night.

 

Harry Monaghan will return to the squad after suspension and will most likely go back to right back, while Conor McDermott is likely to fill in at centre half.

 

Kenny Shiels has been frustrated over recent weeks with his side failing to achieve back-to-back wins in any of their games since March.

 

There is an, even more, need for a win for Derry City tonight after Shamrock Rovers snatched three points from Oriel Park, which moved them into the third spot (the final European place) ahead of the Candystripes.

 

However, Kenny Shiels said any talk of the club achieving the third place position this season was premature.

 

He said: "To speak about trying to get third is premature, and speaking about catching Dundalk is way out of our league.

 

“If we look at Shamrock Rovers, who have the best players in the country, then we have to be realistic."

 

 

Referee: Ray Matthews. 

 

 

MATCH STATS

Finn Harps have collected ten points (two wins, four draws) at home against Derry City in Ireland’s top flight since 1996 (15 games).

 

Derry City collected the other 27 points available over a 21 year period.

 

There has been more than one goal in the last 11 fixtures between the sides.

 

 

BETTING

Finn Harps 7/2; Draw 5/2; Derry City 4/5

 

 

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 1 – 1 Derry City

 

 

Finn Harps

Injured: Danny Morrissey.

Doubtful: Barry Molly, Ethan Boyle.

Suspended: None.

 

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Aaron Barry.