League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Cork City

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers host the league leaders at the Showgrounds on Monday night (kick-off 7.45pm) in what promises to be the sternest test of Gerard Lyttle's reign to date.

Sligo's steady climb up the table continued with a 1-1 draw away to St Patrick's Athletic on Friday night as the Bit O' Red now have just one defeat in their last five league games.

However their meeting with champions Dundalk two weeks ago ended in a crushing 4-0 defeat that may offer more in the way of a prelude to the visit of City.

Lyttle gave debuts to 18-year-olds Mikey Place and Martin Walsh as a result of an extensive list that saw the unfit Raff Cretaro and Craig Roddan sit on the bench to make up numbers.

The latter pair have been cleared to return for tonight's game but John Russell is suspended, Daniel Kearns and Matthew Stevens has returned to parent club Peterborough United.

"We were disappointed we didn't get three points on Friday,” Lyttle told the club's website.

“The players were gutted in the dressing room afterwards that we didn't win the game. We were energetic, passed the ball well and I wanted to see leaders emerge in a difficult situation and we saw that.

"We had a lot of niggles in the squad but it showed our character and we've had a couple of days extra now for them to recover and for other players that featured to recuperate.

"Every game is a test and that is said a lot but it's because it's so true. Cork got a reaction to dropping points on Friday in a most comprehensive fashion.

“But their run has to come to an end sometime. We need to show the same type of performance as we did in the second half against Pats and take our chances.

“It's a game we're looking forward to and one for our supporters to get behind us and see what we can achieve."

CORK CITY

Cork City's 100% record came to an end with a 1-1 draw at Galway United two weeks ago but they bounced back with a 5-0 defeat of Drogheda United on Friday night.

It was the fourth time this season City have put four or more goals past a side in the league and they will fancy their chances against the third-leakiest defence in the division.

Nevertheless, manager John Caulfield sounded a cautious note ahead of a fixture that City  picked up just two points from last season/

“Sligo has always been an awkward game for us and they have very good home form,” Caulfield told the club's website.

“Sligo are one of those teams who are always exceptionally strong at home. Gerard Lyttle has taken over and every time a new manager comes in to a team it always gives them a lift.

“They have some very good players with the likes of Sadlier and Russell in midfield. It will be a difficult game for us and as I say every week is a different challenge for us”

Garry Buckley is set to miss the game through injury while Steven Beattie and Gearoid Morrissey will be assessed closer to kick-off.

Referee: Robert Hennessey.

MATCH STATS

The one meeting between the sides this season ended 2-1 in City's favour, with Steven Beattie and Sean Maguire netting following Kieran Sadlier has given Sligo the lead.

City's failed title challenge last season could be put down partly to their struggles against the Bit O'Red, the one team Caulfield's side failed to beat in any of their league meetings.

Two scoreless draws bookmarked a 2-1 defeat at Turner's Cross as City's form tumbled following their elimination from the Europa League in August.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 6/1; Draw 16/5; Cork City 4/9.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2 – 2 Cork City

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Daniel Kearns.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: John Russell.

Cork City

Injured: Garry Buckley.

Doubtful: Steven Beattie, Gearoid Morrissey.

Suspended: None