Derry City -v- Sligo Rovers

• Jamie Mahon
• Mon, Aug 22 2011


Derry City will entertain Sligo Rovers in the EA League Cup semi-final at The Brandywell on Tuesday evening, with the hosts looking to reach their fifth final in seven years (kick-off 7.45pm).

In what should be an intriguing match which will pit the Airtricity league leaders Derry City against third placed Sligo, it is very difficult to predict a likely victor. Derry come into the game with seven wins and a draw in their last eight fixtures whilst Sligo seemed to have halted a minor blip with their one goal win over U.C.D last time out. Sligo have overcome Cockhill Celtic and Shelbourne to reach the last four, whilst Derry have beaten Salthill Devon, Mervue United and U.C.D. Sligo have had the edge in the head to heads this season with a win and two draws.

Stephen Kenny does not have his sorrows to seek on the team front however with captain Kevin Deery, Stewart Greacen and leading scorer Eamon Zayed all suspended for the tie. There is also a doubt over the fitness of Gerard Doherty who has a knee injury. Owen Morrison will however be available after his international clearance came through to begin his third spell at the club. There will be likely starts for Ryan McBride and David McDaid also. Sligo welcome back John Russell after he missed the weekend through suspension but will be without Alan Keane who is still nursing a thigh injury. Manager Paul Cook will have to make do with a seat in the stand as he must serve a touchline suspension.

Stephen Kenny said “We have one or two suspensions but it is a semi-final and you want to win it. We now have Sligo twice, once in the cup and once in the league so they are really tough games.”

Patrick McEleney, the hero against Bohs last week commented “Everyone wants to play. It’s a semi-final at the Brandywell and hopefully a good crowd will be at it. It will be a tough game. I think they are on a par with us and we’re the two best footballing teams in the league.”

Sligo manager Paul Cook said “Semi-finals are always massive occasions. We have fantastic memories of this competition from last season and we’re very keen to reach the final again. Derry are on a fantastic run and last week’s win over Bohemians showed what a good side they are. It was important for us to win last Saturday and we can focus on the cup competitions now. We have had some good results against Derry City this season but it doesn’t make it any easier. We’ll be in for a hard night but the players will be giving everything to reach the final.”

Derry City
Injured:None.
Doubtful: Gerard Doherty(knee).
Suspended: Kevin Deery, Stewart Greacen, Eamon Zayed.

Sligo Rovers
Injured: Alan Keane(thigh).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Referee: Richie Winter.

Paddy Power Odds: Derry City 6/5 Draw 11/5 Sligo Rovers 2/1.

Extratime prediction: Derry City on penalties. In what is sure to be a game where one mistake could decide the outcome, I fancy a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes with the home side and league cup specialists just nicking it on penalties in front of a vocal home support.