League Preview: Cork City -v- Bohemians

CORK CITY

With a point advantage over Dundalk, City will go into the break top of the pile with a win over Bohemians (kick-off 7.45).

The champions side in free flowing form, scoring 18 goals in their last seven games and only conceding three.

Goals from Kieran Sadlier and Graham Cummins kept this run going at the Showgrounds, as the Rebel Army ran out 2-0 winners over Sligo Rovers.

“We are in a great run of form, having won our last six games,” manager John Caulfield told the club's website.

“We have won ten in a row at home and only conceded three times, but Bohs are stubborn, awkward side.

“They have a lot of pace and energy, as well as having a lot of experience. They beat us down here last year when we were on a fantastic run of form, so we are all aware of that.

“It’s the last game before the break, we are at home, so we are appealing again to the crowd to come out in force.

“We would love to go into the break on top of the table and, if we play to our form, I believe we will win the match but, if we are not at our best, there is always the danger we will drop points.”

City will be without the injured Johnny Dunleavy, who continues to work his way back to full fitness, while new signing Damien Delaney is ineligible to play until July.

Danny Kane, Alan Bennett, Conor McCormack and Colm Horgan will be accessed before the game.

BOHEMIANS

Reeling from last week’s loss to Derry, Bohemians go again with the trip to Leeside this evening.

Having lost 2-1 at Dalymount last week, the drop zone inches closer as Keith Long’s side hover three points clear, with a win tonight a vital cushion in their survival hopes.

Despite his side’s precarious situation, Long remained focused going into Friday’s tie,

“Cork is a very tough place to go,” he told the club's media team.

“We’re playing against the champions and they’re a really strong side. It was a disappointing performance last Friday and a tough defeat to take.

Cristian Magerusan and Ryan Swan remain out, while Bohemians have no suspensions.

MATCH STATS

This is the third league meeting of the sides of the season with the Rebel Army boasting the better record of a 100% record against the gypsies.

A 3-0 win in March at the Cross and a 2-0 win at Dalymount in April has given City the advantage.

Bohemians have been known to frustrate John Caulfield, with the side ending City’s 2017 unbeaten run with a 1-0 win at Turners Cross in August last year.

BETTING

Cork City 2/7 Draw 4/1 Bohemians 9/1.

PREDICTION

Cork City 2-0 Bohemians.

Cork City

Injured:Johnny Dunleavy.

Doubtful: Colm Horgan, Alan Bennett, Danny Kane.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Cristian Magerusan and Ryan Swan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.