Titlerivals clash at Judges Road

They face Ballymena in the All Ireland League Division 2A in the match of the day, at Judges Road (KO 2.30pm).

Derry had been in top spot in the table until they suffered their first defeat of the season last time out away to Queens when they were comprehensively beaten 31-5.

Ballymena were replaced at the summit by Galwegians last weekend following the Men of Connacht’s win at Banbridge.

Galwegians are now one point ahead of Ballymena in the league who in turn are two points ahead of City of Derry and Queens in joint third position with all teams having played seven games.

City of Derry coaches Mark Nicholl and Ashley Blair will be hoping to see the return of some of their injured players.

Captain David Funston looks certain to return along with Josh Lewis and Simon Logue.

The half back partnership of Jack Caithness at scrum half and Andrew Semple at out half has worked well so far with Richard McCarter still injured.

Chris Barber looks like he will be out for the season with a shoulder injury but the pack will see David Ferguson and Chris Shields returning from injury with David Houston and Stephen Jefferson the only forwards still out injured.

The biggest crowd of the season will be expected at Judges Road on Saturday for a fixture that everyone has looked forward to all season. Derry won 15-13 in their last meeting, in the Ulster League last September.