League of Ireland: Derry City v Dundalk (Fri)
Last updated on .From the section Football
| Airtricity Premier Division: Derry City v Dundalk |
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| Venue: Brandywell Date: Friday, 14 August Kick-off: 19:45 BST Coverage: Live commentary on Radio Foyle FM and BBC Sport website |
Derry go into the Premier Division game against leaders Dundalk with a "spring in their step", according to Candystripes manager Peter Hutton.
City have pulled away from the relegation zone after wins over Longford Town and Galway United.
Derry will be without striker Patrick McEleney, who is out with a rib injury while Cillian Morrison is suspended.
Cillian O'Connor is on loan from Dundalk and can't play against his parent club.
Defender Ryan McBride has not trained all week and is doubtful following a hip flexor problem but Hutton insists these injuries provide a chance for others in the squad to stake a claim.
Hutton believes that his side are playing with more confidence as they go into the clash against the champions.
"We have to go in confident with recent results. Fortunes have picked up of late and you can see that in our training sessions with the players," he said.
Dundalk have beaten Derry City twice this season but Hutton felt his side were unlucky to lose both games.
"I thought the first game we acquitted ourselves well here at the Brandywell. Even more so in the away game, where I feel we deserved something from it."
Dundalk are chasing back-to-back titles, but with one win in six games they will be looking to get their title challenge on course again.
Hutton added: "Dundalk are still a formidable squad. They will be smarting after not getting the three points against Longford last week and will be going all out for the win."
