League Preview: Derry City -v- Cork City

DERRY CITY

Following an unsettling fortnight for Kenny Shiels and his side, the Candystripes will hope to relay their title ambitions as they host with Cork City at the Brandywell (kick off 7:45).

Continuing from Monday’s rugged 7-3 whitewash of Shelbourne in the EA Sports Cup, the Candystripes could potentially move five points from the top, with a game in hand, with a win this evening.

"We have to take things one game at a time but we can't ignore the fact that the big matches are coming thick and fast,” Shiels told the club's official website.

“We don't have any major injuries as such but when you play so many games in a short space of time the little niggles start to come into play."

"You saw our training session this morning where a couple of lads sat it out. Sometimes something like that can help ease things a bit."

CORK CITY

After reclaiming top spot, Cork City will hope to build on their three point lead at the top of the table as they make the long trip north.

“It has been very, very intense in recent weeks and I think that is why you have seen results that are unpredictable, compared to other years,” said manager John Caulfield.

“To have a complete week of training before going up to Derry is something we are happy about.”

Despite the relaxed tone, Caulfield wasted no time in addressing the challenges facing his side this evening,

“They have a very good home record, they are unbeaten and they have scored a lot of goals. They have a young, dynamic team with a lot of wise heads in amongst them.

“The likes of Doherty, Peers and Patterson are guys who have been around the league a long time and know it inside out. They also have the likes of McEneff, Curtis and Hale.

“They are a bit like ourselves, their home record is really good and they have put themselves right up there to challenge for the league title.”

“We know it will be a very difficult game, as it always is at the Brandywell, but, at the same time, we are going up there with a full squad. The guys coming in off the bench are doing really well, and that is important.”

Gearóid Morrissey, Shane Griffin, Steven Beattie and Alan Bennett have all had knocks and will assessed ahead of kick-off.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

The last league meeting between the sides is one knitted into the fabric of Cork, with the Rebel Army digging out a 0-0 in a storm battered Turners Cross to seal the 2017 League of Ireland title.

Previous to this, City claimed the spoils with a 3-0 win and a 2-1 giving City the bragging rights over their northern counterparts.

Derry’s last league win over City was in March 2016, ending an eight-game winless run against City, stretching back to March 2013.

BETTING

Derry 2/1, 3/4 Draw, 13/10 Cork City.

PREDICTION

Cork City – Derry City

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Cork City

Injured: Johnny Dunleavy.

Doubtful: Gearóid Morrissey, Shane Griffin, Steven Beattie, Alan Bennett.

Suspended: None.