Both Cork City and Derry City will both be desperate for victory to stay in touch at the top of the Premier Division table.

Mark McChrystal (cheek), Liam Kearney (broken leg), Sammy Morrow (broken leg), Stephen Gray (ankle) and James McClean (throat infection) are all out injured for Derry.

Also missing is influential centre-half Clive Delaney who is serving a suspension.

City boss Stephen Kenny said: "It was really unfortunate for Sammy to get another injury that will keep him out for several months, especially when you consider that he has already battled back to fitness after two knee cruciate injuries, we all wish him well for his recovery.

"Shane McEleney and Ruairi Harkin will come into the squad for the Cork game, hopefully we can get the same type of atmosphere for this important fixture as we had at the Skonto match.

“The energy of the supporters was great and it really spurred us on. It would be great to recreate that and help us get the victory that we need."

For Cork, Robert Mezeckis remains sidelined with an Achilles injury, while Joe Gamble (knee) is also rated as a major doubt.

However, Billy Dennehy returned from a hamstring injury against Ipswich and he will be available for selection.

Rebels boss Paul Doolin will have to select his side without the services of Greg O’Halloran and Pat Sullivan, who are both suspended.

This leaves Doolin short on options at the back, so Kevin Long, who started the friendly against Ipswich, may feature.

Kick-off at the Brandywell is at 7pm.