Derry City vs Shamrock Rovers Predictions

• Derry City won 2-1 when these sides met at Brandywell Stadium in February
• Derry City are unbeaten in their last six Irish Premier Division matches
• Both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings between these two sides.

Derry hoping to close gap on visitors’ Shamrock

Derry City are unbeaten in their last six Irish Premier League matches, a run which has seen Rhaidhri Higgins’ side cut the gap on league leaders Shamrock to eight points. Derry have already beaten Friday’s opponents on this ground earlier in the campaign and there is reason to believe that Higgins’ side can take advantage of Shamrocks interrupted preparation and complete a league double over the reigning Irish champions.    

Rovers’ preparation far from ideal

Victory in Macedonia on Tuesday means Shamrock Rovers are through to the final Europa League qualifying round. A trip to Macedonia in midweek and a short turn around are far from ideal preparations for Stephen Bradley’s side ahead of Friday’s game. Due to European and cup commitments Rovers have played one Irish Premier Division match in the past six weeks and with the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie against Ferencvaros taking place on Tuesday, the league leaders can be forgiven if they aren’t firing on full cylinders on Friday.

Derry City to Win in the outright market will be the main selection for Friday’s Irish Premier Division clash at Brandywell Stadium, with a 2-1 home win forming the correct score prediction – both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings between these two sides.