League Preview: Cork City -v- Derry City

For the third time in quick succession Cork City face off against Derry City, this time at Turner’s Cross in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division on Friday evening (Kick off: 7:25pm Live on RTÉ)

CORK CITY

The Leesiders will host Derry City for the third time in 11 days as they continue to solidify a second place finish. The Rebels come into the tie on solid form unbeaten in their last seven in all competitions, as well as a four game winning streak at home in the league.

With the 1-1 hard fought FAI Cup fixture at the Brandywell fresh in his mind, John Caulfield is well aware that Derry are capable of posing a threat to his side:

“The first cup game, at the Brandywell, was a very tight game and Derry might have felt they should have won. Even though the 3-0 scoreline in the replay probably flattered us in the end, we were well on top and had lots of opportunities.

“Paul (Hegarty) took over as caretaker manager last week. They’ve beaten Rovers which was a huge three points for them, and I expect they will come down to us and be very tight and play on the counter. The good thing is that the game is on TV, so hopefully it will be a lively affair.”

The Cork manager also rejoiced in the break of fixtures for his side after what was a hectic period for the Rebels.

“The break was good for us because a lot of guys had played a lot of matches; we had nine games in five and a half weeks which was a lot. Five or six players needed a few days off and that’s what we have done.

"On the other hand, it has given the likes of Johnny Dunleavy, Gavan Holohan, Steven Beattie and Stephen Folan a chance to do some extra training, because they had obviously missed out for a little while.”

In terms of team news, Caulfield will be able to recall Steven Beattie and Stephen Folan to the squad once again having been cup tied for the two games against Derry. However John Kavanagh and Colin Healy still remain on the sidelines through injury.

DERRY CITY

The Candystripes make the long trip south once again to face Cork this Friday evening. After Peter Hutton’s departure last week, Paul Hegarty stepped in as caretaker and guided Derry to a huge three points against Shamrock Rovers and the Derry faithful will be hoping for something similar this time out.

The men from Ulster haven’t fared too well against the Munster men of late. However with changes in the managerial team, the Derry camp will be hopeful they can change this too.

Still far from safe in the league, every point is now critical with six clubs well in the mix at the foot of the table. A positive result against Cork would go a long way to cementing their survival challenge.

Derry come into the game on 28 points in eight place but Galway and Drogheda are just two points behind them, with Sligo on 24 and Limerick on 23.

Derry, Drogheda and Limerick have all played 28 games but both Galway and Sligo have a game in hand on those around them in this relegation battle.

Referee: Tomas Connolly

MATCH STATS

Under John Caulfield, Cork have faced Derry five times in the league winning all five without conceding a goal.

The two sides have met four times in all competitions this season, with Cork coming out on top on three occasions with the fourth ending in a draw.

Derry’s top goalscorer so far is winger Mark Timlin on eight goals with Cork’s top marksman thus far being Karl Sheppard who has netted ten times.

BETTING

Cork City 8/13; Draw 5/2; Derry City 5/1

PREDICTION

Cork City 2-1 Derry City

Cork City

Injured: John Kavanagh, Colin Healy

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.