Sligo Rovers -v- Cork City

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers host Cork City in their second Airtricity League Premier Division game in four days at The Showgrounds on Monday evening.

The Bit O’Red moved above Dundalk into second place on Friday following a 2-0 home victory over struggling Shelbourne.

Evan McMillan, who has spent some weeks on the sidelines, was introduced for the final 12 minutes against Shels, replacing Gavin Peers who begins a two match suspension against the Leesiders. Ross Gaynor (knee) meanwhile remains as the only absentee through injury.

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of the game, Rovers boss Ian Baraclough expects an improved performance from Friday when they face an in-form Cork side.

“It was important to give Evan (McMillan) some game time last Friday. He played for 15 or 20 minutes, won his headers and challenges and didn't feel any effect to the injury and that will do him some good.   

“We have to improve on our second half performance against Shelbourne to make sure we get three points from this game. Cork will come here and have no fears. They picked up another good victory on Friday

“Since the change in manager they have picked up a good few points for whatever reason and we have to be aware of the threat they bring.

“As long as we keep picking up points then St Pat's have to make sure they do the same. They have to play us and there are some tasty games coming towards the end of the season.

“We have to keep winning games but that is always our target and especially in The Showgrounds. Cork will give us a stern test and we have to come through it.”

CORK CITY

Cork City make the long trip to Sligo in good spirits on the back of their best run of form this season.

The Rebel Army have won five of their last six League encounters, losing only to Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium earlier this month.

Darren Dennehy has returned to training, but this game comes too soon for the defender following a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Kevin Murray, also a long-term injury victim, misses out.

First-team coach Billy Woods told CorkCityfc.ie that he believes his side can build on their impressive form in what he expects to be a difficult game.

“We played Sligo up there in the cup recently and we were missing a lot of players, but we gave a good performance. It will be a difficult game, but we are in good form, we will be positive and hopefully the lads will be refreshed after what has been a difficult week with so many games.”

“Sligo obviously have a cup Semi-Final to play, they are still in contention to win the league title and they are in good form at the moment. We want to build on our results in the last two games, put in a good performance and, hopefully, get a positive result.”

Referee: Padraigh Sutton.

MATCH STATS

Gary Rogers could set two new records at Sligo Rovers tomorrow evening. He would not only keep a seventh consecutive home clean sheet to break a 19 year old record, but also their 15^th of the season in The Showgrounds , a record most recently set by Brendan Clarke who kept 14 clean sheets in 2011.

Danny Morrisey has scored eight goals in the last nine games for Cork City in all competitions.

Daryl Horgan is the only player from either side to have represented both clubs.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 8/15; Draw 13/5; Cork City 11/2.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 1-0 Cork City.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Ross Gaynor.

Suspended: Gavin Peers.

Cork City

Injured: Darren Dennehy, Kevin Murray.

Suspended: None.