SSE Airtricty Premier Division – Derry v Cork / Dundalk v Finn Harps

The second weekend of the Airtricity League season features some thrilling games.
Derry City play their first home game of the year hosting Cork City at the Brandywell while defending champions Dundalk will take on newcomers Finn Harps.
After last weekend’s defeat to Harps in Ballybofey, Derry Manager Kenny Shiels has promomised a more improved performance ahead of the visit of the side which finished runners up last season.
He expects to start the same eleven as Conor McCormick and Nathan Boyle have recovered from knocks.
Former Derry player Stephen Dooley returns to the city as a Cork man while Ballyofey’s John Dunleavey will be in the heart of the Leesiders defence.
As for Harps, they head to Oriel Park without Sean Houston and Barry Molloy.
Houston suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Derry while Molloy has been on crutches this week with a knee injury.
Packie Mailey is a doubt and will face a late fitness test.
The last Premier Division meeting between the sides was in May 1999 when Harps had a 1-0 victory that confirmed Dundalk’s relegation, tonight however will be a different affair as Stephen Kenny’s man go into the season as faourites for a third title in a row.
Chris Ashmore will have updates tonight for Highland Radio from Oriel Park and Martin Holmes will have updates from the Derry Cork game.
They’re among the 7.45 kick-offs this evening, the other games see Bohemians taking-on Sligo at Dalymount Park and Bray Wanderers travel to face Galway United.
There’s also two 8pm matches in the top-flight as Longford entertain St Pat’s and Wexford Youths go to the Tallaght Stadium to face Shamrock Rovers.