Limerick FC v Cork City

LIMERICK FC

Although many predicted that Limerick would survive in their first season in the Premier Division, not many would have tipped them for a top-half finish. But that’s exactly what Lims are on course for, they are too far adrift to catch Shamrock Rovers, but they can move themselves into contention for a Setanta Cup spot, should the competition continue next season.

They are two points ahead of Friday night’s opponents and geographic rivals, Cork City. Lims currently hold the advantage over Cork, the sides drew 0-0 in the season opener at Thomond before Stuart Taylor’s side came out on the right side of a five goal thriller in Turners Cross.

Limerick are looking to arrest a small slide, having lost their last two games on the bounce, but Stuart Taylor has urged his side to turn things around and put in a good performance against their Munster rivals.

“Cork are a good side, but after the last two results I don’t want a draw, I want a win and we want to do it in a bit of style in front of our home supporters,” said the Scot.

Taylor will be boosted by the return of Stephen Folan, who was suspended for the narrow defeat to Derry on Sunday, however Stephen McGann and Pat Purcell are still out injured while Shane Tracy is a doubt.  Axel Bossekota is suspended and this could see one of two new signings being given a debut start, Carel Tiofack and Jason Hughes both put pen to paper on Tuesday.

Tiofack was a highly sought after striker, the former Ipswich Town and Cadiz player chose to move to the Shannonside ahead of offers from rival Premier Division sides.  The 19-year-old is viewed as a quality addition while Jason Hughes begins a second stint at the club. The Limerick native impressed while on trial before moving to Athlone Town.

CORK CITY

While Limerick have added to their squad this week, the same can’t be said of Tommy Dunne’s side. The Leesiders have shed four players in the last three days, Adam Rundle and Denis Behan both had their contracts cancelled while Daryl Kavanagh also had his commitments quashed so he could leave to hook up with St Patrick’s Athletic. Danny Furlong has been allowed leave to join Waterford United on loan as Dunne slashes the wage bill at cork.

However, with all the exits, Cork announced that they have signed goalkeeper David Ryan from St Pats. Ryan will provide back-up for Mark McNulty who proved a valuable asset in Cork’s 2-1 defeat to St Pats last week.

Tommy Dunne has said that he would like to sign another striker, having acquired Ciaran Kilduff, he’s already made some good progress in the striker department, but it’s defence which has been the real worry for Cork.

Having travelled to Thomond to watch Lims 1-0 loss to Derry City, Tommy Dunne spoke about how impressed he was by Friday’s opposition.

“They are a good team. I watched them against Derry and for long periods of the match, they were the better side and maybe they didn’t get the rub of the green that they deserved on the day. They have a very strong trio of O’Leary, Gamble and Bradley in the middle, but they are very strong all over the pitch.”

“We know it will be a tough game, but we need to bring our recent good performances into the match. We have to start getting results; it is as simple and straightforward as that. It’s a Munster Derby, it’s a big game, but if we roll up our sleeves and give everything we have, then we can get something out of the game.”

However, the Dublin native has a huge injury list to contend with, Colin Healy (knee), John Dunleavy (knee) and Stephen Kenny (hamstring) are all doubts, while John Kavanagh, Darren Dennehy (foot), Kevin Burns (arm) and Kevin Murray (groin) are definitely out. Kalen Spillane will also miss out, as he begins a three match suspension following his sending off against St. Pat’s last week.

Referee: Neil Doyle

MATCH STATS

Cork have conceded 13 goals in the last 15 minutes of games this season

Both sides are coming into this fixture without a win in their last three league games

BETTING

Limerick 6/5, Draw 11/5, Cork City 11/5

PREDICTION

Cork have been hit too heavily with injuries and transfers, 1-0 Limerick

Limerick FC

Injured: Stephen McGann, Pat Purcell.
Doubtful: Shane Tracey.
Suspended: Axel Bossekota.

Cork City

Injured: Kevin Burns, Kevin Murray, Darren Dennehy, Colin Healy, John Dunleavy, Stephen Kenny, John Kavanagh.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Kalen Spillane.