League Preview: Cork City -v- Shamrock Rovers

Cork City FC will be hoping to make it twenty-two games unbeaten competitively, as they take on Shamrock Rovers at Turners Cross on Friday evening (kick off 7:45pm).

 

CORK CITY:

Both sides come into the game with a point to prove as City will be hoping to preserve their fifteen-point advantage with midseason break approaching while a win would spur Rover’s European ambitions with a move up to fourth.

 

On the back of an unbeaten league campaign of 15 games which has seen his high flying Rebel Army score 25 goals in 8 games; John Caulfield was quick to play down his side against the added weight of Shamrock Rovers.

 

“To us, every game is a big game and this already looks like it’s going to be a full house. Shamrock Rovers are always a great attraction. The challenge for us is that we keep performing at our level. If we under-estimate or disrespect anyone then we will be in trouble.”

 

Rivalries aside; Caulfield was quick to commend Bradley on assembling his squad, but quickly changed his tone to defensive duties ahead of the clash.



 

“Stephen Bradley came in midway through last season and laid his foundations. They have since went out and invested massively in the off season. They have brought in some real quality players, Finn, Connolly, Lopes, McAllister and Burke. They had 7/8 good players and have now brought in about 10 real quality players. We expect a massive challenge”

 

On the injury front Cork City will be accessing the fitness of winger Karl Sheppard, midfielder Gearóid Morrissey and Gary Buckley and winger Steven Beattie.

 

 



SHAMROCK ROVERS

Despite the weight of history between the two sides; both the Rebel Army and the Hoops find themselves in a very different place heading into this clash. A mixed season has seen losses to Derry City and Bray Wanderers while shocks against St. Patrick’s Athletic have seen Bradley’s title ambitions wither with focus now turning to qualification for Europe. Meanwhile John Caulfield’s team has been thriving this season and have yet to stumble as they go in search of their first league title since 2005.

 

Speaking after his side’s 2-0 victory over Galway United on Monday evening; Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley stressed the mountain his side where facing on their trip to Turners Cross.

 

“It's going to be a good game. Cork are obviously flying, they're top of the league and beating everyone that they come up against. It's going to be a really tough game, we know that but we just have to go and play our game and try to impose ourselves on them as much as possible and see what happens. We know what Cork are good at and what they're going to bring so we just have to make sure we show up and bring our good attributes and make a proper game of it”

 

Despite this challenge; Bradley felt confident heading into Friday’s clash, reminding of his sides recent run of form which has swept aside Dundalk, Bohemians and most recently Galway United.

 

“The players are playing with confidence at the moment. We look dangerous going forward, I think you can see that in patches against Derry and especially the second half against Galway so we just have to bring that into tomorrow night"

 

Referee: James McKell

 

 

MATCH FACTS

Overall Cork City FC come into tonight’s game with the better league record with 34 wins against 27 for the Hoops while both sides sharing 30 draws.

 

City have scored 109 goals against the Hoops 106.

 

This will be the side’s second league meeting all season following City’s 2-1 victory in Tallaght Stadium on St. Patrick’s Day in a victory which saw star striker hit two passed the Hoops.

 

 

BETTING

Cork City 15/1 Draw 3/1 Shamrock Rover 11/2.

 

PREDICTION

Cork City FC 2-1 Shamrock Rovers

 

 

Cork City FC:

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Stephen Beattie, Karl Sheppard, Gary Buckley, Gearóid Morrissey.

Suspensions: None.

 

Shamrock Rovers:

Injured: Ryan Connolly.

Doubtful: None.

Suspensions: None.