League Preview: Derry City -v- Drogheda United

DERRY CITY

Derry City will be looking to build on last weekend’s comfortable 2-0 win away to Longford Town with a home tie against Drogheda United on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

And that result has increased confidence on Foyleside, but manager Ruaidhri Higgins is pouring cold water on talk of his side coming in the top four positions.

“It's funny, when you lose a game as a manager it ruins your weekend and when you win a game as a manager you're straight away thinking about the next game,” Derry boss Higgins told the Derry Journal.

“Drogheda come to the Brandywell next week and that's all I care about at this moment in time.”

In terms of team news, Derry welcome back Ciaron Harkin from suspension. Meanwhile, Marc Walsh is expected to be a doubt.  

DROGHEDA UNITED

After falling to defeat last time out against Waterford, Drogheda United will be looking to get back to winning ways as they take on Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

And despite a good start to the season, last week’s defeat has seen manager Tim Clancy declare his side are in a relegation battle while speaking to the Irish Sun. 

“Every game is tough but maybe the lads don’t realise that,” Clancy told the Irish Sun after last weekend’s defeat to Waterford.

“They’ve been getting plaudits all year and they’ve deserved them.

“But they’ve got to realise that we are in a serious relegation fight here now. I don’t know if they will respond.”

He added: “A serious rethink is needed.

“We need to get back to what we were doing earlier in the season.”

Chris Lyons is expected to miss out for Drogheda United, while Mark Hughes is a doubt having picked up a knock last weekend.

Referee: Robert Hennessy.

BETTING

Derry City EVS; Draw 21/10; Drogheda United 12/5.

PREDICTION

Derry City 1 - 0 Drogheda United

Derry City

Injured: Marc Walsh

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: Chris Lyons.

Doubtful: Mark Hughes.

Suspended: None.