League Preview: Derry City -v- Waterford

DERRY CITY

Derry City have a chance to bounce back immediately from the disappointment of Friday’s shock defeat to Finn Harps when they welcome Waterford to the Brandywell (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Candystripes were heavy favourites to win as they travelled to face their local rivals Harps at Finn Park in the televised game on Friday.

Declan Devine’s side had won each of the three previous meetings this season but were undone by Harry Ascroft’s deft header from a long Tony McNamee throw-in.

The defeat meant the Candystripes were unable to capitalise on Bohemians dropping two points away to Sligo Rovers as a win would have moved them within three points with a game in hand.

Devine will look to use that game in hand on Monday night to narrow the gap to three points ahead of their trip to bottom-placed UCD on Friday.

Derry have not provided any team news ahead of the game, however Devine reported he had a full complement to choose from for the Harps game.

WATERFORD

Waterford took one more step towards Premier Division safety on Friday night as they overcame UCD 2-1 in Belfield in dramatic circumstances.

Zack Elbouzedi had given the Blues an early lead with a fantastic solo run before Liam Kerrigan deservedly levelled midway through the second half.

UCD looked the more likely to go on and repeat their victory at the Bowl in April, only for substitute Dean Walsh to send a spectacular strike past debutant Tom Murphy four minutes from time.

The result moves Alan Reynolds’ side above Cork City into seventh and, with this the first of three games in hand for the Blues, they can start to build a little breathing room.

“Winning on Friday was big for us,” Reynolds told the club’s media team.

“We’ve played better in some of the previous games in spells but it was all about getting the points for us.

“They’d beaten us earlier in the season and were in good form so we’re delighted to get the points. UCD are a good side and they’ll keep taking points off teams.

“Getting Zack back from injury was important and his goal showed his quality. And what can you say about Dean’s goal, it was like a Van Persie strike so we’re thrilled he showed what he can do.

“Derry will be hurting after losing to Finn Harps so we have to be wary of that. We have two games on two consecutive Mondays so we need to prepare well for both.

“There’s been plenty of goals between the teams in the matches so far so no doubt it’ll be an entertaining game again.”

Kevin Lynch and Sam Bone are still short of fitness, while Shane Duggan is a doubt, but Elbouzedi came through Friday’s game unscathed and Kenny Browne returns from illness.

Referee: Derek Tomney

MATCH STATS

The sides have met twice so far in the league this season with Derry taking four points from a possible six.

The first meeting at the Brandywell saw own goals from Rory Feely and Georgie Poynton, following Ciaron Harkin’s opener, seal a 3-2 win for Derry.

At the RSC in May, an injury-time penalty from Shane Duggan earned Waterford a point after Darren Cole looked to have snatched a 2-1 win a minute from time.

BETTING

Derry City 1/2; Draw 3/1; Waterford 9/2.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2 – 1 Waterford

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Waterford

Injured: Sam Bone, Kevin Lynch.

Doubtful: Shane Duggan.

Suspended: None.