Preview: Derry City face must-win rescheduled UCD clash

The international break is interrupted tonight as Derry City play a rescheduled clash in Dublin against UCD knowing they must win to keep the title hopes in check.

This game was postponed in July due to City's game in Kazakhstan during the Europa Conference League.

Shamrock Rovers have opened up a seven-point lead and it can be reduced to four if the Candystripes can take an expected victory in their game in hand.

That would set up the most important league game on the season on Friday week when they welcome the champions to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Derry have scored four goals in each of the two games so far between the sides and their clinical win in Dundalk last week showed they remain a live threat in the race for the league crown.

However they can’t afford any complacency going to Belfield.

"It's a massive game for us, make no mistake about that" said City boss Ruaidhri Higgins.

"I watched their recent game at home to St Pat’s and they were desperately unlucky to come away with nothing from that.

"UCD have produced some brilliant players for this league and they have more coming through.

"Their back four is strong and they have experience in there as well so we'll have to work really hard if we want to pick up a vital three points."

City were down some players in Oriel Park but Higgins is hopeful that at least two will return tonight.

"Sadou Diallo returns from suspension and we're hopeful that Ronan Boyce will be ready as well, which obviously gives us a few more options.

"Outside of that we'll be working off the same panel as Friday, but if we can get a win it would send us into the short break with a bit of impetus for the run-in."

College are nearing automatic relegation after a miserable season.

Eight of their 10