'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The League of Ireland is back with another set of important matches this weekend as Shamrock Rovers take on Derry City on Friday. Both teams have been impressive this season and will want to win this game.
Derry City are in fourth place in the Premier Division at the moment and have exceeded expectations this season. The away side eased past Longford Town by a 3-0 margin last week and will be confident ahead of this match.
Shamrock Rovers, on the other hand, are at the top of the league table and have excelled this year. The Hoops edged St Patrick's Athletic to a narrow 1-0 victory in their previous game and will want to be at their best in this fixture.
Trending
Shamrock Rovers vs Derry City Head-to-Head
Shamrock Rovers have a good record against Derry City and have won 27 out of 67 matches played between the two teams. Derry City have managed only 19 victories against Shamrock Rovers and will need to improve their record on Friday.
The previous meeting between the two teams took place in July this year and ended in a 4-2 victory for Shamrock Rovers. Derry City were not at their best on the day and will need to be more robust this weekend.
Shamrock Rovers form guide in the League of Ireland Premier Division: W-W-W-L-W
Derry City form guide in the League of Ireland Premier Division: W-D-D-W-W
Shamrock Rovers vs Derry City Team News
Shamrock Rovers
Lee Grace and Neil Farrugia have recovered from their injuries and are available for selection. Shamrock Rovers have a fully-fit squad and will need to field a strong team this weekend.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Derry City
Marc Walsh is injured at the moment and will be unable to play a part against Shamrock Rovers this weekend. Derry City have a strong team and have a point to prove on Friday.
Injured: Marc Walsh
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Shamrock Rovers vs Derry City Predicted XI
Shamrock Rovers Predicted XI (4-4-2): Alan Mannus; Max Murphy, Lee Grace, Sean Gannon, Sean Hoare; Richie Towell, Gary O’Neill, Graham Burke, Dylan Watts; Rory Gaffney, Aaron Greene
Derry City Predicted XI (4-3-3): Nathan James Gartside; Daniel Lafferty, Eoin Toal, Cameron McJannet, Ronan Boyce; Ciaron Harkin, Bastien Hery, William Fitzgerald; James Akintunde, Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe, Jamie McGonigle
Shamrock Rovers vs Derry City Prediction
Shamrock Rovers are in good form at the moment and are the frontrunners to win the league title. The Hoops have been impressive in their last three games and will want to make a statement of intent this weekend.
Derry City have punched above their weight and are perfectly capable of pulling off an upset on their day. Shamrock Rovers are the better team on paper, however, and hold a slight edge going into this game.
Prediction: Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Derry City
