Derry City face Riga FC on Thursday night for their first leg Europa League qualifying tie. Here's all the information you need to know ahead of the game.
When is Derry City v Riga FC
Kick off at the Ryan McBride Brandywell is at 7:45pm on Thursday the 7th of July.
How to watch Derry City v Riga FC
You can watch the game live on LOITV.
Form Guide
Derry City will be eager to find a valuable home leg win over their opponents before the second leg next week. Ruaidhri Higgins' side have overcome a difficult spell in recent weeks after an impressive start to the season was met with a series of defeats last month.
The Candystripes are currently sitting in third place, 11 points behind Premier Division leaders Shamrock Rovers.
Since losing three games on the bounce to Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers and Dundalk, Derry City are undefeated in their last four games with two draws and two wins.
In their last outing, strikes from Joe Thomson, Matty Smith and an unfortunate own goal from Dawson Devoy led to a 3-2 win for Derry City over Bohemians at Dalymount Park.
Two players who have been instrumental to Derry City this year are Jamie McGonigle and Will Patching who have combined for 19 goals so far this campaign.
Brian Maher has also been a standout performer for his side between the posts with 7 clean sheets from 20 starts, putting him fourth in the race for the Golden Glove.
Riga FC finished third in the Latvian Higher League last season. Despite many people in Ireland perhaps not knowing the threat that Riga possess, Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins remains aware of their qualities.
Speaking ahead of the game, Higgins said:
"It's very tough, they’re a good side and very well backed financially
"They don't get massive crowds but they’ve good resources and a lot of good players.
"If you look at the pedigree of some of their players and the profile and where they've been, they have a lot of real talent and we’ll have to be at our very best to get through the tie."
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