League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Derry City

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers have an immediate opportunity to restore parity with Dundalk at the top of the Premier Division as they welcome Derry City to Tallaght Stadium (kick-off 7pm).

Rovers saw Dundalk open up a three-point gap last week with victory over Sligo Rovers after the Hoops’ meeting with Waterford was postponed.

A win tonight could see the Hoops pull back level with Dundalk on 46 points, though the Lilywhites face bottom-placed Finn Harps.

Rovers’ most recent outing was a comfortable 2-0 win at home to Cork City as second-half goals from defenders Joey O’Brien and Roberto Lopes proved the difference.

“[Derry have] shown this year already that they’re more than a match for anybody in the league,” Bradley told the club’s website.

“They’ll definitely come down to Tallaght and try to take three points. But we believe we’re ready, we’re focused to go and try and win the game.

“Looking back on the game at the Brandywell we actually played really well and deserved to win.

“They’ll come with a game plan and we’ve got to respect what they’re good at it but we’ll focus on what we’re doing really well.

“We’ve got to make sure we drive that home and get more points on the board.”

Bradley heads into this game without former Derry midfielder Aaron McEneff, who scored a Panenka penalty in the last meeting in Tallaght, while Sam Bone is also out.

Sean Kavanagh looks to have recovered from the injury that kept him out of the Cork game, while Dylan Watts is a slight doubt after picking up a knock.

DERRY CITY

Derry City’s final game before the mid-season break sees them travel to Tallaght Stadium to face a side they’re yet to take a point from this season.

Derry had a week off last week due to UCD’s international call-ups and will be idle again next week for the same reason as the Waterford game has been postponed.

Declan Devine’s side had a strong start to the season but have stuttered somewhat in recent weeks and seen the top two open something of a gap.

They're the two best teams in the country right now and they've set the bar for the rest of us,” Devine told the club’s media team.

"I don't think we've been a million miles behind either of the top two in any of the games we've played but to be fair to them they made that little bit of extra experience count.'

"Rovers are a quality side and they're a seriously tough nut to crack, especially at home, but these are the type of challenges we have to relish."

Both Patrick McClean and Michael McCrudden continue to be sidelined, while new signing Darren McCauley won’t be clear to play until July.

Referee: Derek Tomney.

MATCH STATS

The sides have met twice so far this season, both times in the league, and Shamrock Rovers came out on top in each occasion.

The first game in Tallaght in February saw Rovers win 2-0 thanks to goals from Dylan Watts and former Candystripe Aaron McEneff.

The return game at the Brandywell was a tighter contest but Aaron Greene’s strike just before half time proved the difference.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 1/2; Draw 11/4; Derry City 11/2.

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 2 – 1 Derry City

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Sam Bone, Aaron McEneff.

Doubtful: Sean Kavanagh, Dylan Watts.

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: Patrick McClean, Michael McCrudden.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Unavailable: Darren McCauley (international clearance).