With just five games remaining in the Irish Premier Division, there is still issues left to decide. One of the issues still in doubt is who will take the third European spot.
Derry City are one of the sides hoping to clinch third spot and with European qualification for next season. On Friday night, they host Cork City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Declan Devine’s side are currently fourth place in the table but are just two points behind Bohemians who occupy the last European qualification spot. Friday nights game will be Derry’s game in-hand on their rivals, though.
The Northern Irish team have not done their European qualification chances much good with their recent league form, as they have failed to win in three matches. In fact, they have drawn their last two league matches, including last time out against rivals Bohemians.
A record of just two wins from their last six Premier Division matches has also hampered their chances of clinching a top-three spot this season.
Cork City have endured a poor campaign and with five league games remaining have little but pride to play for this season. The visitors have also failed to win in their last four league matches suffering three defeats in the process.
A 0-0 draw against Finn Harps last time out at least ended a three-game losing run and keep them seven points ahead of the Harps, who are currently in the relegation play-off spot. City could still be dragged into ninth spot, but it looks unlikely with time running out in the season.
Cork have been inconsistent on their travels of late in the Irish Premier Division. However, they have won just once in six away games in the Irish top-flight.
Forebet predicts that Derry will record the victory they need to jump up into third place in the Premier Division. It will be interesting to see if they can remain in the European spots for the remainder of the campaign.