League Preview: Cork City -v- St. Patrick's Athletic

• Josh Dolan
• Fri, Mar 07 2014




League Champions, St Patrick’s Athletic begin their defence of their SSE Airtricity League Premier Division title on Friday night, as they travel to Turner’s Cross to take on Cork City.

 

CORK CITY

The game is likely to stage the competitive debuts for many of Caulfield’s new acquisitions. Stars, such as Cork native Billy Dennehy and FAI Cup Final hero Anthony Elding could both make their competitive debuts at Turners Cross on Friday night.

 

The game sees John Caulfield take charge of his first competitive game of The Rebels and The City legend is looking forward to a buoyant atmosphere, when the teams to take to the hallowed turf at Turner’s Cross on Friday evening.  “There will be a huge crowd and I know they will be very vocal, so I hope we can give them a performance that will have them singing from the rafters.” Caulfield explained to CorkCityFC.ie.

 

Caulfield is confident that the team are ready for the visit of The Champions and insists that his team will not sit back against any side at Turners Cross, this season. “We’ve been preparing for this game for the last two weeks. Our tactics have been geared towards it.  I feel we have a nucleus of a very strong team, but time will tell.” The New City boss explained.

 

Cork are without new signing, Michael Rafter and young striker Danny Morrissey, as both picked up ankle injuries during pre-season training. Full-back, Ian Turner is unavailable due to a suspension, which has carried over from last season.

 

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

The Saint’s are likely to give league debuts to a number of new signings that have joined the Inchicore side in the off-season. Ken Oman, Conor McCormack, Derek Foran, Mark Quigley and James Chambers have all joined from Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers, Lee Lynch has arrived from League runners up, Sligo and Irish International, Keith Fahey has returned from overseas, for his second spell with The Saints.

 

Saints Manager, Liam Buckley feels that his team are well prepared for the opening game of their title defence and insists that his team has been raring to go for the opening game of their tile defence. “From our end of things, we’ve had three good competitive games to this point, and since the win last Sunday in The Presidents cup against Sligo, we’ve all been really looking forward to the Cork game.” Buckley told stpatsfc.com.

 

Midfield general, Greg Bolger believes that he voices the whole squad, when he says he explains his excitement, ahead of the big kick-off. “The whole team are really excited for the game on Friday. We’re all looking forward to getting back into regular action and we’re travelling to Cork, looking to get a positive result.” The Saint’s 2013 Player of the Year explained.

 

No injuries or suspensions mean that Liam Buckley has a full squad to choose from ahead of the launch of their title defence.

 

Referee: Padraigh Sutton.

 

MATCH STATS

The last meeting between these two, saw Cork beat St Pat’s 4-2 in the final game of last season.

 

St Patrick’s Athletic conceded just 20 goals last season. A quarter of these goals (5) were scored by Cork City.

 

Cork City conceded 50 goals last season, more than any other side in the top 8.

 

BETTING

Cork City 13/5; Draw 9/4; St Patrick’s Athletic  Evens

 

PREDICTION

I think this will be a close one. The Rebel army are likely to be in full voice. However, The Saints have an abundance of quality and extra match practice, so I’m going for a 2-1 win for St Pat’s

 

Cork City Injury News: Michael Rafter (Ankle), Danny Morrissey (Ankle).

Cork City Suspensions: Ian Turner.

 

St Patrick’s Athletic Injuries: None.

St Patrick’s Athletic Suspensions: None.