Despite just one defeat in 13 games, Derry will want to improve on five straight draws to move up to joint second place, level on points - for the moment at least - with Shelbourne and Cork City with a win over a side that beat them twice at the Brandywell last season.

Manager Kevin Mahon's main concern of staying in the top four going into the New Year shouldn't be under too much threat with Dundalk set to visit next in the league. "If we win these two games, which we would expect to, I can then safely say to my players that we will not be involved in a relegation battle," said Mahon, who has a full squad to pick from.

Galway have Colin Fortune back from suspension and he comes straight back into central midfield alongside Mark Herrick. Sean Malee and Brendan O'Connor, who have been out with longterm injuries, are back in training.

Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Derry City 0 Galway United 1, Galway United 1 Derry City 0, Derry City 0 Galway United 1; 2001/2002: Galway United 0 Derry City 1.

Current league form: Derry City D D D D D; Galway United: L L W L L.

Leading league scorers: Derry City: T McCallion, Hughes (four each); Galway United: Ryan (three).

Betting: Home: 2/5; Draw: 5/2; Away: 7/1.

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).