League Preview: Longford Town vs Derry City

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford will be hoping for their first home win of the season when Derry City visit the City Calling Stadium on Saturday night.

Tony Cousins’ side have struggled for consistency so far this term, as defeats by St Patrick’s Athletic, Cork City, Finn Harps, Bohemians and Dundalk followed a 2-0 win over Wexford Youths on  the opening night of the season.

The Midlanders will be hoping to take advantage of Friday night’s results which saw defeats for Bray, Sligo, Wexford Youths and Bohemians.

In fact, a win for Tony Cousins’ side on Saturday night could see them climb as high as ninth in the Premier Division table.

DERRY CITY

Kenny Shiels will be expecting his side’s positive start to the season to continue when he takes his side to the City Calling Stadium.

City’s opening night defeat to arch rivals Finn Harps remains the only loss the Candystripes have suffered in the opening seven games of the Premier Division season.

Despite this form, Shiels is hesitant to become cocky and understands that Longford will prove a stern test this Saturday night.

“We have to be confident and strong in our heads, stay away from complacency and treat the game as a top of the table clash and prepare like that,” Shiels said.

“Longford are better than their position suggests, I have seen them and they are getting players back this week,” the City boss concluded his analysis of Longford Town.

Conor McCormack is set to return to the City squad after serving his suspension following a red card against Dundalk two weeks ago.

However, Niclas Vemellund, Nathan Boyle and Barry McNamee are all doubts and will be assessed closer to kick-off.

Referee: Sean Grant

MATCH STATS

Longford have netted just once in their first three home league games this season.

There was a total of six goals scored across the three league meetings between the sides last season.  The two teams played out a 0-0 draw at the City Calling Stadium in May,  City put three past Longford without response in July, while Longford had some joy of their own on the final night of the 2015 season, as the Town won 4-2 in front of their own supporters.

Derry have conceded in three out of four Premier Division games away from the Brandywell this season.

BETTING

Longford Town 5/1; Draw 5/2; Derry City 8/13.

PREDICTION

Longford Town 0-1 Derry City

Longford Town

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Niclas Vemmelund, Nathan Boyle, Barry McNamee.

Suspended: None.