League Preview: Cork City -v- Derry City

CORK CITY

Cork City will welcome Derry City to Turner’s Cross on Friday in the Airtricity League Premier Division (kick-off 7:45pm). Cork have had a great start to the season and remain unbeaten in the opening five games leaving them second in the table, including a 1-0 victory over Bray last time out.

Speaking of that game in particular as well as the season so far, Cork manager John Caulfield had this to say:

“The frustrating thing was that we didn’t score more goals. We created sixteen opportunities and we had seven or eight really good chances, which we looked at the other day.”

“The difference between this year and last year is that we are creating a lot of chances. We are back to second in the table and we are happy with our start after five matches.”

The boss went on to commend the support that he and his team has received:

“Since I took over, we have received tremendous support. We have a great fan base and a lot of people came back to support the club.”

“People have to trust me that we are working hard every day and putting the team out every week to win matches. We are hoping to have a huge crowd, possibly even bigger than anything we had last season.”

“Our support is phenomenal, the atmosphere in the Cross is unique. The crowd are coming in early, they are there for the warm-up and you sense the noise and the atmosphere around the ground.”

“I think it does make the difference and the team has responded to it.”

Speaking about their home form and his squad this season so far, Caulfield added the following:

“I think in the two home games so far we have been very entertaining and I think our crowd understand we have a very good, passionate team. Last year we had a gutsy team, but I think this year we are gutsy with a bit more class about us.”

The manager concluded assessing their opponents for this week:

“Derry are a very strong team with a lot of local players and Peter Hutton has some really good players in his squad. They are a very dangerous side and they will come and have a go, but if we play to form I think we can win the match.”

John Caulfield will be waiting on the fitness of Michael McSweeney, Colin Healy and Danny Morrissey who all didn’t feature in the win over Bray.

DERRY CITY

Peter Hutton and his side will make the long trip south to face Cork on Friday hoping to build on the three points against Drogheda last week. The Brandywell club has made a reasonably good start to the season so far and currently occupy seventh position.

The man at the helm had this to say in anticipation of the game:

“Cork City away in Turners cross is always one of the fixtures as a player and now as a manager you look forward to.”

“The pitch is always in good condition and the atmosphere in the ground is always great and that is what you, as a player looked forward to.”

“Don’t get me wrong, Turners Cross has always been a difficult venue to go to and get anything at the best of times.”

The Derry boss also had this to say regarding their forthcoming opponents:

“And during the off season John (Caulfield) has strengthened what was already a very, very good squad when you consider that they were just pipped to the title on the last day.”

“And the acquisition of the likes of Karl Sheppard, Liam Miller and Alan Bennett to the squad just to name a few, they have added real strength in depth, with experienced players so they are a formidable outfit.”

Derry will once again be hit hard regarding injuries. Joshua Daniels, who picked up an ankle injury in training, is the latest to be added to a growing list which includes Shaun Kelly, Dean Jarvis, Stephen Dooley.

Referee: Robert Harvey

MATCH STATS

Cork’s biggest ever defeat came against Derry in the sides’ first ever meeting in 1987.

Derry failed to score against Cork in all three games last season which all resulted in victory for Cork.

Cork remain unbeaten so far this season (W3 D2 L0)

BETTING

Cork City 7/10; Draw 13/5; Derry City 4/1

PREDICTION

Cork City 1-1 Derry City

Cork City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Michael McSweeney, Colin Healy, Danny Morrissey

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: Shaun Kelly (Knee), Dean Jarvis (Toe), Stephen Dooley (Back), Joshua Daniels (Ankle)

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.