Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins
They clash at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium this evening (kick off 7.45 pm).
Derry remain in the hunt for the title but need a dramatic collapse from Shamrock Rovers who could be crowned four times league winners by Monday.
In truth they have fallen short in vital stages of the season and they have made life easy for their rivals.
Nevertheless there is still a chance to at least delay the party in Tallaght.
Shelbourne are firmly in the hunt for Europe and have a favourable run-in. Fourth place could deliver a Conference League spot depending on how the final plays out.
Derry boss Ruaidhri Higgins said: “While it has been a frustrating couple of weeks in terms of the title race, there is still an awful lot to play for.
“Our home form has been really good for a while now and with two of our last three matches at the Brandywell we have the opportunity to finish on a high.
“We know that picking up three points on Friday night would be huge and if we do that, it means we’re very close to securing European football again.
“It’ll be far from easy because Shels have been enjoying a good season themselves.
“They’re a really well coached side and although they have the best defensive record in the league, they’re about more than that. They have very good individual players and we’re under no illusions that it will be a difficult night.”
City have no injury concerns.
Andrew Quinn and JR Wilson could return for Shelbourne. Sean Boyd is also nearing a comeback.
