Derry City (home)
- Derry are somewhat less defined but they know how to transition quickly and can be a powerful and physical force when they have to be.
- Derry drew 2-2 away to Waterford, before beating Galway United 1-0 at home and then following it up with a 0-2 win away to the same opponents in the cup last time out.
- They have also won 2 games in a row.
- The Candystripes have won 6, drawn 3 and lost just 1 of their last 10 matches in all competitions, and the Brandywell has been a tough place to visit.
St Patrick's Athletic (away)
- St Patrick's Athletic are unbeaten away from home, winning all 4 matches in all competitions.
- St Patrick's Athletic have scored an average of 2.25 goals per game away from home.
- This game will be interesting from a tactical point of view with The Saints looking to boss the ball and Derry looking to turn it into a scrap.
- Stephen Kenny's Saints are a well structured, proactive and dynamic unit who are capable of controlling the flow of the game with their possession, counter-pressing and flexible shapes.
- The Saints are on a three-game winning streak after seeing off Shamrock Rovers 2-0 at Richmond Park, trouncing Dundalk 0-4 away from home and then winning 0-1 away to Sligo Rovers.
- They are 6 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats across their last 10 in all competitions.
Key Players
- Michael Duffy is Derry's danger man this season with 11 goals in 25 Premier Division games.
- He has scored 7 of Derry's last 10 goals, so a bet on Duffy to score at any time is advised.
Betting Insights
- St Patrick's Athletic are the favourites here at 2.32.
- Under 2.5 goals at 1.87 looks like a good pick for the cagey angle.
- Both Teams To Score - Yes at 1.67 suits me as I think both sides will have a go and there will be a breakthrough or two.
- A bet on Duffy to score at any time is recommended given his recent scoring form.
Prediction
- Given that both teams are in good form and unbeaten in their respective home and away records, the game is unlikely to be a runaway for either team.
- St Patrick's Athletic are the likelier winner though and they should have enough to see it through.
- Derry City's home form and overall solidity is enough to make this feel close rather than a sure thing.
- I am going for an away edge and can see this being a narrow 2-1 win for the visitors.