- John O'Shea
- Thu, May 21 2015
CORK CITY
Cork City will be hoping for another memorable night in Turners Cross, when they host title rivals Shamrock Rovers on Friday night. Another bumper crowd is expected and the Leesiders will need to ensure that they keep up the pressure on league leaders Dundalk.
With Cork going so close to winning silverware in the league last season, there is a sense that John Caulfield’s side have unfinished business to take care of.
It promises to be another tight and closely contested encounter between both sides again on Friday night. In team news, City will be without Kieran Djilali and John Dunleavy, with both players suffering from knee injuries.
Danny Morrissey, who was stretchered off during the midweek EA Sports Cup Quarter Final defeat to St Pats, will also be out. However it is thought his injury may not be as bad as originally feared.
Alan Bennett returned to training this week following a hamstring injury and he will be assessed before the game.
SHAMROCK ROVERS
This should be one of the most exciting visits of Rovers to Turners Cross in recent times, with both sides challenging for the title this year.
Shamrock Rovers are more than determined than ever to come down to Cork and to pick up what would be a crucial three points were they to record a victory, as they seek to prove their title credentials.
Picking up a win in what is possibly the most atmospheric ground in the country would be a real statement of The Hoops intent in the 2015 title race.
Pat Fenlon’s side went the whole of the first series of games without losing a sing one, a statistic that included a draw against Cork at home.
Such has been the impressive nature of the side’s performances since Fenlon took over, his only league defeat as Rovers manager came away to Cork at the end of the 2014 season.
Rovers have plenty of firepower in their side and they will be coming down to Cork to pick up all three points.
Referee: Paul Tuite.
MATCH FACTS
Cork City were the last side to beat Rovers in the league, when Dan Murray scored a 90th minute winner in Turners Cross last September.
Last season saw Cork City enjoy a 100% record over Shamrock Rovers for the first time since the 2005 season. Other seasons where the Rebel Army have enjoyed 100% records over the Hoops are: 1999/2000, 1998/1999 and 1992/1993. (Rovers enjoyed 100% records in 1984/1985, 1985/1986 and 1986/1987.)
Shamrock Rovers are one of the two sides still unbeaten in the league this season, the other being Dundalk. The Hoops are unbeaten in 20 games in all competitions.
BETTING
Cork City 7/5; Draw 21/10; Shamrock Rovers 5/2.
PREDICTION
Cork City 2–1 Shamrock Rovers
Cork City
Injured: Kieran Djilali, John Dunleavy.
Doubtful: Alan Bennett.
Suspended: None.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Unknown.
Doubtful: Unknown.
Suspended: None.
