On Friday night, Derry City will aim to secure their fourth consecutive win in the League of Ireland Premier Division as they host Drogheda United at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Derry City sits second in the league, trailing leaders Shelbourne by just two points, while Drogheda United finds themselves at the bottom of the table with a mere 16 points.
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Derry City
Derry City enters this match on a three-game winning streak, having defeated Waterford, Galway United, and Bohemians in June.
They have amassed 41 points from 23 matches this season, with 11 wins, eight draws, and four losses.
The Red and Whites have shown resilience, remaining unbeaten since their 1-0 loss to Shamrock Rovers on May 20.
Key Stats
Current streak: 3 wins
Home record: Best in the league
Drogheda United
Conversely, Drogheda United's season has been fraught with challenges.
They have only collected 16 points from 21 matches, with a record of three wins, seven draws, and 11 losses.
The Claret and Blues are in the midst of a seven-game winless run, including a 3-0 defeat to Galway United in their last outing.
Key Stats
Current streak: 7 winless games
Away record: Worst in the league
Team News
Derry City
Derry will be without Patrick McEleney, Jordan McEneff, and Colm Whelan for this match.
Head coach Ruaidhri Higgins is expected to stick with the lineup that secured victory over Bohemians.
Danny Mullen, despite scoring the winning goal in that match, is likely to start on the bench.
Patrick Hoban, the team's top scorer with 11 goals this season, will lead the attack.
Predicted Lineup: Maher; Dummigan, Connolly, McEleney, Doherty; O'Reilly, Diallo; McMullan, Patching, Duffy; Hoban
Drogheda United
Drogheda will be missing Gary Deegan and Aaron McNally due to muscular injuries, with Oisin Gallagher suspended.
There are also doubts over Zishim Bawa's availability. Frantz Pierrot, the joint top scorer for Drogheda this season, is expected to return to the starting lineup.
Predicted Lineup: Wogan; Heeney, Quinn, Keaney, Kane; Brennan, O'Brien; Foley, Markey, Weir; Pierrot
Prediction
Given the current form and the stark contrast in home and away records, Derry City is heavily favoured to win this match.
Drogheda's struggles on the road combined with Derry's formidable home performance suggest a straightforward victory for the Red and Whites.
Our Prediction: Derry City 2-0 Drogheda United
