Shelbourne's Peter Hutton is prepared for a hostile reception tonight when he returns to the Brandywell for the first time since his surprise summer transfer.

A "Pizza = Judas" flag (Hutton's nickname is Pizza) caused a flashpoint at Tolka Park earlier this season when Shelbourne secretary, Ollie Byrne, unsuccessfully attempted to confiscate the banner.

"I'm disappointed at how people in Derry have reacted," said Hutton, who still lives and works in Derry. "I think I should get some credit for the service I have given the club. But I've learned a lot about myself as a player and a person over the last three months."

With Jonathan Minnock returning to left-back, Hutton is likely to move to a central midfield role if Davy Byrne fails to recover from a knee injury.

The Baker brothers, Richie (groin) and Dessie (knee), are out along with Brian Byrne (tendonitis), as second-place Shelbourne hope to close the gap on leaders Shamrock Rovers to one point with a fourth win in five games.

Alan Matthews and Noel King continue to manage the team in a caretaker capacity while manager Dermot Keely recovers from illness.

Unbeaten in seven games, Derry, who displayed their title credentials in last week's 1-1 draw at Shamrock Rovers, report no injuries and hope to field an unchanged side.

Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Derry City 1 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 0 Derry City 1, Derry City 3 Shelbourne 3. 2001/2002: Shelbourne 1 Derry City 1.

Current league form: Derry City: W W D D D; Shelbourne: L W L W W.

Leading league scorers: Derry City: Hughes (four); Shelbourne: Geoghegan (six).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 2/1, Away: 6/4.