Derry City has consistently challenged for European spots in the Irish top division, securing back-to-back second-place finishes in 2022 and 2023, and ending with a fourth-place finish last season.

Despite regular qualification attempts, the Candystripes have not advanced in recent years, last reaching the UEFA Cup first round in 2006–07 and being eliminated in all 10 subsequent campaigns.

Tiernan Lynch was appointed at the start of this season to guide Derry City back into European qualifiers and ultimately secure a spot in the main competition, and he has positioned the team well in the league standings.

The Candystripes currently sit fourth in the League of Ireland Premier Division with 34 points from 21 matches, including 10 wins, four draws, and seven losses.

This places Derry City just two points behind second-placed Bohemian FC and one point behind third-placed Drogheda United, while they also have two games in hand over their Friday opponents.

A win on Friday would propel Derry City into the top three and potentially create a significant gap over competitors if they win their pending matches.

The Candystripes are likely to feel optimistic about securing three points, having won their last two games to end a four-game winless streak, and triumphing in three of their most recent four home encounters with Drogheda.

In contrast, Drogheda United has struggled to avoid relegation since returning to the top division in 2021, finishing seventh in 2021, eighth in 2022, seventh in 2023, and ninth in 2024, only staying up after a 3-1 victory over Bray Wanderers in the relegation playoff final.

Kevin Doherty, appointed in December 2021, has led Drogheda through these challenges and now has them surprisingly competing for European places, as they hold third position in the table.

Drogheda has accumulated 35 points from 23 games, with eight wins, 11 draws, and four losses, putting them just one point ahead of fourth-placed Derry City, though they have played two more matches.

Doherty will aim to maintain their edge over Derry City with a strong result, supported by just one loss in their last eight games.

However, five of those outings ended in draws, and they have won only one of their last four away games at Derry's home ground, including a 3-1 victory earlier this year.

Derry City possible starting lineup:

Maher; Boyce, Cann, Ferguson, Holt, Todd; Whyte, Diallo, Winchester, Duffy; Boyce

Drogheda United possible starting lineup:

Dennison; Harper-Bailey, Keeley, Quinn; Lambe, Heeney, Brennan, Kane; Farrell; Oluwa, James-Taylor