Cork City -v- Bohemians

CORK CITY

Cork City will welcome Bohemians to Turner’s Cross on Sunday in what will be a mid-table melee. The Leesiders are currently level on points with their opponents, but one place higher on goal difference. 

Cork City are unbeaten in their last seven games, a Munster Senior Cup loss to First Division side Limerick their only slip up in eight games. However, it’s the amount of draws which have hindered Cork’s progression in the table.

Speaking to corkcityfc.net Tommy Dunne spoke of the need for his side to start better. Their last game in Turners Cross saw them battle from 2-0 down to salvage a draw against Derry City. However, the manager will be happy that Cork needed only five minutes to take the lead away to Bray last week and they built on that to record a comprehensive 3-0 win.

“It is important for us to try and continue our recent good run of form. We need to look to start the game properly, like we did against Bray. The team showed a really good attitude at Bray and I think we have to show that now, week-in, week out,” said Dunne.

“We will face a Bohemians side who will be high on confidence following a recent run of good form, particularly after their 4-0 win over Shamrock Rovers last week. They showed in that game just how good they are, so we know it will be a tough test for us, but we are looking forward to it,” added the Cork City manager.

On the injury front, Dunne has some positive news, with only Shane O’Connor remaining sidelined with a hand injury. Neal Horgan and Kevin Murray, who both made their comeback from long-term absences in recent weeks, have not suffered any adverse reaction and will be available, while captain Dan Murray is available once again having returned to training in recent days.

Defender Stephen Mulcahy has joined Waterford United on loan for the remainder of the season, while Dunne must also plan without the services of striker Tadhg Purcell who has left the club following the end of his loan spell.

BOHEMIANS

Despite their position in the table, after their 4-0 win over Shamrock Rovers last week many will feel that Aaron Callaghan is doing a good job at Dalymount. Cork City were the first side that Bohs beat this season, a 1-0 win at Dalymount over three months ago. 

The Gypsies were frustrated in their 0-0 draw at home to Icelandic side Thor last week. Despite their dominance of the game they failed to make a break through. As a result the Dubliners will make several changes to their side when they travel to Turners Cross. 

Bohs form has been erratic of late, although they are unbeaten in their last two games. However in recent weeks they have failed to go more than two games unbeaten. However, Bohs reliance on a young inexperienced squad might be their undoing on Sunday.  

Dave Mulcahy is unlikely to feature against his old club as he nurses a knock taken on Thursday. Mulcahy has been a strong presence for Bohemians in recent games.

Owen Heary and Luke Byrne have strains from the Thór match and face late fitness tests, while Dinny Corcoran remains out with a shoulder injury incurred in last weekend’s victory over Shamrock Rovers.

Speaking ahead of the game, Callaghan said “We will be playing five games in two weeks and our younger players have never committed to anything like that,” said Callaghan. “But we have players on the bench and in the stand who are well capable of fitting into the team. 

Referee: Derek Tomney

MATCH STATS

A win for either side would put them clear into fifth place.

Bohs have won three times on the road this season while Cork have only won twice at home.

Bohs are unbeaten in Cork since the sides met there on the 18th of May 2008.

BETTING

Cork City 10/11; Draw 9/4; Bohemians 3/1.

PREDICTION

Bohs looked tired after the exertions of their 4-0 win over Rovers and they were run ragged against Thor so I expect Cork to win this 2-0.

Cork City Injury News: Shane O'Connor.

Cork City Suspension News: Stephen Kenny.

Bohemians Injury News: Dave Mulcahy, Owen Heary (doubt), Luke Byrne (doubt).

Bohemians Suspension News: None.