Derry City will bid to halt Drogheda United’s recent good form when they welcome the Louth side to the Brandywell.
The Candystripes were pegged back from 2-0 up to draw with Cork City last week then crashed out of the EA Sports Cup in midweek.
Drogheda have won their last two league games and knocked Dundalk out of the cup on penalties in midweek and sit tight in a bunch of three clubs chasing leaders Sligo Rovers.
Derry are without suspended pair Stewart Greacen and Ryan McBride. Greacen also suffered an ankle injury sustained in Tuesday's 4-0 defeat to Sligo in the EA Sports Cup quarter-final.
Owen Morrison is an injury concern while Michael Barr is line to make his debut.
Drogheda will give fitness tests to Brian Gannon, Sean Brennan and Philip Hand while ex-Monaghan United player Conor McMahon joins the squad.
Derry City manager Declan Devine has spoken about the challenge the Boynesiders provide through their physicality: "Drogheda are a very good team and one of the most physical sides in the country. They are direct in their approach and out-powered us when we last played them.”
Drogheda United boss Mick Cooke is relishing the trip north: “I don't know any player who doesn't enjoy going up to Derry, especially with the atmosphere their fans create. It's always a wonderful experience.
“I've had good results against Derry in my career and we have already beaten them earlier this year. But we are under no illusions that this will be an easy game and I'm sure they will provide tough opposition.”
