Derry City travel to Turner’s Cross to face Cork City in a clash that pits two teams heading in opposite directions against each other. 

The Rebel Army appear to be in for a campaign in which they will have to battle to prevent an instant return to the First Division.

The Candystripes, however, are on an upward trajectory, and they are just one point off the top spot after four wins from their last five matches.

Late Winner Puts a Dent in Recent Momentum

Last time out, Ryan Brennan’s stoppage-time winner from the penalty spot ended a run of three matches unbeaten for Tim Clancy’s side.

Cork City were put under pressure for large periods against the league leaders, but will be disappointed coming out of the tie with a defeat after levelling five minutes from the end.

There has been a marked improvement results-wise with seven points from the three outings before the trip to Drogheda United, and much of that can be put down to the emergence of Djenairo Daniels in attack.

The 23-year-old has contributed four goal involvements in three matches despite a relatively poor level of service, and his emergence may help to plug a gap in a forward line beset with injuries.

Daniels is a physical presence in attack and possesses the capabilities to take the pressure off the Cork City defence.

If the player can continue to contribute and add to his goal involvements, there is a real chance that the Rebel Army can hold off Sligo Rovers and avoid a return to the First Division.

Are Derry City Title Contenders?

Back-to-back home wins over champions Shelbourne and St. Patrick’s Athletic have lifted the mood at the Brandywell stadium.

Derry City have catapulted themselves into third place and proven to be capable of staying resolute at the back with match-winners such as Michael Duffy and Danny Mullen in form.

It might be a stretch to consider them as title contenders at this stage, but the signs are positive for Tiernan Lynch.

They are a much stronger outfit on home soil, having scored just six goals in as many matches on the road, but they have recorded wins at Sligo Rovers and Galway United.

The league is congested at this sage with no team appearing capable of pulling away from the rest, so it is an opportunity for the Candystripes to continue to perform under the radar and maintain their lofty position in the table.

Only St. Patrick’s Athletic have kept more clean sheets than the Northern side, and with an in-form defence in front of the excellent Brian Maher, they should not fear travelling to Turner’s Cross.

Cork City To Secure Crucial Result in Friday Night Clash

The form book would suggest that Derry City should pick up a result here, but there has been a significant improvement from the home side over the past few weeks.

The return to fitness of Sean Maguire will be a major boost to Cork City’s chances of pulling clear of Sligo Rovers at the foot of the table.

Premier Division matches are difficult to pick with the competitive nature of the league ramping up in 2025 after a thrilling 2024 campaign.

Although Cork City might struggle to break down the Derry City rearguard, they may just put a stop to the Candystripes’ hopes of three wins in a row.

Derry City came from behind to win the previous fixture in April and were dominant for much of the game, forcing multiple saves from Tein Troost.

The impressive goalkeeper will need to be at his best again here to help close the gap to Waterford in eight.