Cork City -v- Dundalk

CORK CITY

Cork City head into their final home game of their debut season in the Premier Division with their hopes of finishing fifth and securing a Setanta Cup spot still intact.

The Rebel Army will hope to bounce back from last Saturday night, when they conceded a 2-0 lead in Tolka Park against Shelbourne.

Speaking to CorkCityFC.net, manager Tommy Dunne explained that this is a crucial fixture for his side.

“If we had picked up a win against Shelbourne, then we would have come into this game hoping that a win would secure fifth place, but now we have to win and see where things stand after that.”

“Dundalk have enough about them to cause problems for any team. They have some good young players, mixed with some experience in the side, so they will be difficult opponents for us.”

DUNDALK

Dundalk head to Turner’s Cross in a rather difficult situation. They know that, whatever the result on Friday night, they will finish bottom of the league, and will be forced to play in a promotion / relegation playoff against either Waterford United or Longford Town.

The Lilywhites go into Friday night on a relatively positive spin, having ended their eight game losing streak with a 2-2 draw against Bohemians.

Manager Darius Kierans feels that the game could be a valuable opportunity to blood their young players – and that has become a necessity due to the plethora of injuries inflicted upon his squad.

“Everything is focussed towards the playoff now for us but you go into every game looking for a positive result and hopefully we can build on last week’s draw against Bohemians.”

“Cork are a very good side and Turner’s Cross is always a difficult place to go, but it will be a good experience for our younger players.”

Referee: Padraigh Sutton

MATCH STATS

Cork City lost their four game unbeaten run when the lost 3-2 to Shelbourne in Tolka Park on Saturday night.

Dundalk put a stop to an eight game losing streak on Saturday night, when they drew 2-2 at home to Bohemians.

Cork City have just about come out on top in clashes between the two teams this season – the Leeside outfit beat them 3-2 in Cork back in May, while they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Oriel Park in August.

BETTING

Cork City 4/9, Draw 3/1, Dundalk 6/1

PREDICTION

Cork City 3-0 Dundalk

Cork City injury news: Garry Buckley, Brian Lenihan.

Cork City suspension news: None.

Dundalk injury news: Derek Foran, Gary Shanahan, Paul Walsh, John Mountney, Mark Griffin (doubt), Liam Burns (doubt), Stephen McDonnell (doubt), Mark O’Brien (doubt), William Woods (doubt), Bob McKenna (doubt).

Dundalk suspension news: Eoghan Osborne