League Preview: Cork City -v- Sligo Rovers

CORK CITY

Title-chasing Cork City play host to relegation candidates Sligo Rovers in a huge SSE Airtricity League Premier Division clash at Turners Cross (kick-off 7.30pm).

 

City need a maximum of eight points from their nine remaining games to seal the title and will fancy their chances of getting three at home to the team second from bottom in the league.

 

Manager John Caulfield remains cautious, knowing that every team that face the league leaders will raise their game.

 

“Every team that plays us is raising their game and we know how difficult the game will be,” he told the club's official website.

 

“We are getting close and we have been focussing all week on how huge a game this is for us.



 

“It is our last home game in the league for a while and another match that can push us closer if we can get the three points”

 

Caulfield is also hoping that a big crowd come out to Turners Cross to help City over the line.

 

“We are hoping we will have another huge crowd, because the support this season has been phenomenal.



 

“With the early kick-off, we need the supporters into the ground early because this is a crucial game for us. With the way the league is, it is getting very tight at the bottom and it is making it very interesting.”

 

Cork will have to plan for the game without the services of Johnny Dunleavy and Alec Byrne, who will both be out for the foreseeable future nursing injuries.

 

Alan Bennett makes his return from suspension after his dismissal in the EA Sports Cup Semi- Final defeat to Shamrock Rovers.

 

Fellow defender Robbie Williams is a doubt but it is hoped that he will be available for the game.

 

The game may see former Sligo player Kieran Sadlier make an appearance against his former employers after his arrival on Leeside during the summer transfer window.

 

SLIGO ROVERS

Looking to get out of the relegation mess that they have been embroiled in, Sligo Rovers make the long trek down the country as they seek to salvage their season.

 

After a very disappointing defeat to First Division side Longford Town after extra time at the City Calling Stadium, Sligo now have no more distractions as they hope to secure their safety.

 

Jamie McDonagh returns after serving a suspension following his dismissal away to Longford while Daniel Kearns misses out with a hamstring issue.

 

“We played well in parts of the game on Tuesday but we struggled to create enough chances,” manager Gerard Lyttle told the club's website.

 

“You need that rub of the green or for the ball to drop in the box and we just haven’t had it. On the back of the FAI Cup defeat, we did take some positives, but ultimately wins are what we need.”

 

However, Lyttle is confident that the Bit O'Red will find a way out of the relegation zone once they find a way to turn draws into wins.

 

“I thought we were very solid and have been in the league for some games now and that gives me hope that we can get out of trouble. But if we don’t create more clear cut opportunities then we’re not going to get three points”

 

“One point isn’t good enough for the position we’re in and this game is like the Dundalk one where we were written off somewhat.

 

Lyttle, is also hoping previous positive encounters with Cork will give his side some much needed confidence against the runaway league leaders.

 

“It’s a place the players have done well in before, we competed well with Cork last time out and were very unfortunate to lose the game in the end, so we go there with belief and with ambition of getting that win we’re chasing”

 

 

Referee: Raymond Matthews

 

 

MATCH STATS

Sligo Rovers have yet to register an away win in the league so far this season while Cork have only been beaten once in the league, which was at home against Bohemians.

 

Three of the previous four games between the pair have ended in a scoreline of 2-1.

 

Sligo are without a win since their 1-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers at the beginning of July.

 

Cork have the best defensive and attacking records in the league, leading the way with 60 goals scored and only 12 goals conceded.

 

Cork City recent league form: WLWWW

Sligo Rovers recent league form: DDDDD

 

 

BETTING

Cork City 1/4; Draw 9/2 Sligo Rovers 12/1

 

PREDICTION

Cork City 2-0 Sligo Rovers

 

 

Cork City

Injured: Johnny Dunleavy, Alec Byrne.

Doubtful: Robbie Williams.

Suspended: None.

 

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Daniel Kearns.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.