League Preview: Derry City -v- Finn Harps

• Andrew Dempsey
• Mon, May 03 2021




DERRY CITY

Derry City will be looking to maintain their winning run as they welcome local rivals Finn Harps to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

This will be manager Ruaidhri Higgins’ first as Derry boss at the Brandywell – and he is relishing his opportunity.

“It’s a great occasion to be managing the team for the first time at the Brandywell, especially in a North West derby, but I’m obviously very disappointed that our own supporters can’t be here,” he told his club’s media team.

“We’ve done really well in those last two games but that’s gone now and this is another challenge. Harps have started well this season and arrive here above us in the table.

“We have to look to build on what we’ve done so far and just go and try to win the game.”

In terms of team news, Higgins added: “Ciaran Coll is probably 50/50 at this point and although Darren Cole is getting close to a return, it’s just a few days too early for him.”

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps will be looking for their first win in four as they take on a resurgent Derry City on Monday evening.

Harps last win came over Waterford last month – and their manager Ollie Horgan is expecting the challenge to mount for his side as Derry’s bounce under new management continues.

“Derry are flying now in their first two games under Ruaidhri (Higgins) and it’ll take a massive effort when we go up there on Monday night,” he told his club’s media team.

“We’ve picked up a few knocks in the last game and so we’ll probably be left sweating over the weekend to see what team we’ll be able to field come kick-off. 

In team news, Ryan Connolly remains out while Shane McEleney, Stephen Folan, Johnny Dunleavy and Conor Barry are doubts.

 

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

 

MATCH STATS

Derry City have won their first two league games under new boss Ruaidhri Higgins – sealing victories over Sligo Rovers and Bohemians.

Finn Harps are in the midst of a four-game winless run, with their last win coming over Waterford last month.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2 - 1 Finn Harps

 

Derry City

Injured: Darren Cole.

Doubtful: Ciaran Coll.

Suspended: None.

 

Finn Harps

Injured: Ryan Connolly.

Doubtful: Shane McEleney Stephen Folan, Conor Barry, Johnny Dunleavy.

Suspended: None.