On Friday night, Finn Harps and Derry City clash at Finn Park, in a game that could prove vital in the race for the European spots in the Irish Premier Division and also the fight for survival.
The home side are in need of the victory, as they are only outside the relegation spot by virtue of their superior goal difference to bottom of the table UCD. A win here would certainly boost their survival chances.
At the other end of the spectrum and table, Derry are still chasing a top-three spot that would earn them a place in the early stages of the Europa League next season.
City are currently five points outside the European qualification spots. A win would put big pressure on third-place Bohemians.
When it comes to form, Derry heads into the clash unbeaten in seven league games. However, they have drawn four of those seven undefeated matches, which has hampered their bid for European football next season. The visitors have kept clean sheets in three of their last four league outings.
Unsurprising considering their league position, Finn Harps recent form has been highly inconsistent. One positive for the home side is that they have suffered just one defeat in their last four league outings, having picked up two wins in the process. Their recent matches have been low-scoring in the Irish top-flight.
Finn Harps’ recent home form in the Irish top-flight has not helped their survival chances, as they have won just once in their last four outings on home soil.
Scoring goals has been a problem for Finn Harps of late at home in the Irish top-flight, as they have failed to score in three of their last four matches at Finn Park.
Forebet predicts that Derry will record a victory in a low-scoring clash, aiding the visitor’s chances of claiming a European spot for next season.