Sligo Rovers -v- Cork City

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers welcome Cork City to The Showgrounds this evening in what is arguably the tie of the round. The Bit O’Red’s early-season juggernaut-form has slowed down, but they are still vying for the domestic double as they look to put recent defeats behind them.

Despite missing a few key players, the strength and depth of the Sligo squad is such that they enter this cup-tie as deserved odds-on favourites.

The McMillan brothers miss out tonight as Evan is out for four weeks with a knee injury, while David is both cup-tied and recovering from an infection. Like Evan, Ross Gaynor also misses out with a knee injury. Elsewhere, Sligo are deprived of Iarfhlaith Davoren’s services because of a calf injury.

Speaking to SligoRovers.com ahead of the game, manager Ian Baraclough was hoping for a cup run this year, in a competition in which the Bit O’Red have enjoyed success in recent years.

“We are hoping to have a long run and prosper in this competition. We’re fully aware of what it means to supporters and our history and association with the FAI Cup. A good run would give us a real boost for the rest of the season.

“It is a home game and I can’t imagine Cork are relishing the long trip up to the North-West. We have to make that count on Saturday. Hard-work and the right approach to the game will get us a long way. Cork have moved into the top half of the Premier Division and I feel this is the tie of the round. We have to be at it from the off.

“The club were cup holders for two years prior to an early exit last season and I would very much like to do well in it again.”

CORK CITY

Cork City travel to The Showgrounds this evening on a high, having won all three competitive games since Stuart Ashton took over the managerial spot on a rolling contract. A 3-1 win against Kilbarrack in the cup were quickly followed by wins against Bohemians and Bray Wanderers, with the Leeside faithful hoping that the tide has turned on their season.

If the Rebel Army are to continue this impressive streak however, they will have to do so without a number of key players.

Daryl Horgan serves the final game of his suspension following his red card away to Limerick a few weeks ago, while versatile starlet Garry Buckley is also suspended having accumulated four yellow cards.

City will also be missing the goal scoring prowess of loanee striker Ciarán Kilduff, but thankfully for Ashton’s men Danny Morrissey has also been chipping in with goals of late (four in his last four).

On the injury front, central defensive pairing Kevin Murray and Darren Dennehy are still out with long term injuries, while recent signing Dave Ryan misses out with a groin complaint. Gearóid Morrissey is a doubt with an ankle injury, but will be assessed before kickoff and it is hoped he will be fit to play.

Speaking to CorkCityFc.ie , caretaker-boss Ashton was looking forward to a cup tie, and a break from the league.

“It’s a cup tie, so it’s a change and a game without the pressures of the league. I think both teams will welcome the break from the league and will go out to play football and enjoy the game.”

“It has the potential to be a real cup tie, with both teams going out to win it. It is our only realistic chance of winning silverware this season, and I’m sure Sligo will be looking at it as a competition they can win also.

“Hopefully we can win the game on the night but if not, a draw would be a great result if we can bring it back to Turner’s Cross and try to finish the tie there. We are going up there to win the game, but we won’t be stupid and risk throwing it away.”

Last week Cork City named an unchanged eleven for the first time in the league this season, however with the injuries, suspensions and ineligible players, Ashton will be forced into some changes tonight.

“The downside for us is the number of players we are missing, and from that point of view, we will have to do a bit of re-jigging. That said it is up to the players who come in to show their worth, show why they are in the squad in the first place and step up to the plate.“

Referee: Paul Tuite.

MATCH STATS

The sides have met twice in the league this season, each winning once.

The sides last met in the cup in 2009. After a 2-2 draw in Turner’s Cross, the sides also finished 90 minutes level in The Showgrounds, 1-1. Raffaelle Cretaro then got the decisive goal in the 107^th minute to send the Bit O’Red into the next round.

Sligo Rovers go into the game on the back of two defeats (vs Shamrock Rovers in EA Sports Cup and Dundalk in the League). Cork City go into the game on the back of two victories (vs Bohemians and Bray Wanderers in the league)

BETTING

Sligo R 2/5; Draw 3/1; Cork City 7/1.

PREDICTION

2-2

SLIGO ROVERS

Injured: Evan McMillan (knee), Iarfhlaith Davoren (calf), David McMillan (infection), Ross Gaynor (knee).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Cup-tied: David McMillan.

CORK CITY

Injured: Kevin Murray (groin), Darren Dennehy (foot), David Ryan (groin).
Doubtful: Gearóid Morrissey (ankle).
Suspended: Daryl Horgan, Garry Buckley.
Cup-tied: Ciarán Kilduff.