An intriguing battle for third place going into the New Year. It's going to be a long trip for Derry, but one they relish thanks to a good record at Turner's Cross in recent years.

"The target at the start of the season was to be in the top four and challenging going into the New Year and we've achieved that" said Derry manager, Kevin Mahon. "Whoever wins goes third and we're going down there to win it" added Mahon whose side, unbeaten in 11 league games, remain well placed despite drawing six of their last seven games.

Cork City left back Neal Horgan will have a late fitness test on an ankle injury. Declan Daly ( stomach muscle) remains sidelined while Stephen O'Flynn, who hasn't featured since September, is suspended.

Manager Liam Murphy isn't overly concerned at Cork's inconsistent form leading up to Christmas: after a 2-0 home defeat to UCD and their FA Cup exit to Shamrock Rovers, they had t come from behind to draw at Monaghan. " It's nothing that a good win won't put right" said Murphy.