League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Derry City

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps will be looking to build on their valuable point away to Shamrock Rovers last time out as they host Derry City at Finn Park on Friday evening (kick-off is at 8pm).

The Co. Donegal side also won their last game against the Candystripes at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

But Harps boss Ollie Horgan is expecting a tough tie in front of a limited capacity in the North-West.

“It’s no good battling to a draw in Tallaght if we then go out flat against Derry now this weekend,” he told his club’s media team.

“They got a similar result in Tallaght a few weeks ago and they have definitely kicked on since we last played them.

“We’re delighted to have some fans back in the ground with us.

“We’ve missed them dearly, and everything we’ve done over the past few years has been on the back of their support at Finn Park.”

In team news, Johnny Dunleavy, Stephen Folan, Tunde Owolabi and Will Seymore are doubts.

DERRY CITY

Derry City will be looking to pick up another valuable win on the road as they take on local rivals Finn Harps.

The Candystripes lost their last league outing against Harps – and manager Ruaidhri Higgins is expecting a tough clash against their local rivals.  

“They’re playing really well and I can honestly say that this is the best Finn Harps team I’ve seen in all my time involved with Derry City.”

“We’re going OK ourselves too though and we’re approaching the game as we do with any other- trying to win 3 points.”

The Derry boss has a full deck to work with for the game, not a luxury he has enjoyed a lot recently.

“Everybody is good to go. The boys have trained well, the mood is good and we’re genuinely looking forward to the match.”

Referee: Neil Doyle.

MATCH STATS

Finn Harps are the only side to defeat Derry City under new boss Ruaidhri Higgins this season – winning 2-1 at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium last May.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 1 - 0 Derry City

Finn Harps

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Johnny Dunleavy, Will Seymore, Tunde Owolabi, Stephen Folan..

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.