League Preview: Bohemians -v- Cork City

Bohemians and Cork City will do battle in Dalymount Park on Friday evening (kick off 7:45) with a lot on the line for both sides, the hosts can slip into a Europa League spot if they win and St. Pats lose, whereas City only need a point to secure second place ahead of Bohs bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers.

BOHEMIANS

Keith Long and his men were written off by many not to be anywhere near this point at the start of the season, with many predicting The Gypsies to be part of the dog fight at the end of the table.

Bohs have won all of their last three games, including beating Europa League rivals St. Pats in the process. They also managed to get the better of Sligo Rovers in the Showgrounds and Derry City in the Brandywell.

Lorcan Fitzgerald and Stephen Best are welcomed back into the squad from injury with captain Roberto Lopes returning from suspension.

Derek Pender and Marc Griffin will both miss the game however, as the pair are suffering with long term injuries.

CORK CITY

John Caulfield’s men, on the other hand, will consider this a poor league season, as they were expected to challenge eventual run away leaders Dundalk for the league title. 

They have been a decent last three games however, they may have begun those three games with a 3-2 loss at home against Longford Town, but they did manage to overcome St. Pats away from home 2-1, and put in a valiant performance against fellow cup finalists Dundalk to earn a well-earned 2-2 draw.

Ex-Ireland international Colin Healy is welcomed back into the frame for the game Friday, which will add an extra boost to Corks cup hopes, after the Ballincollig native was side-lined with an ankle injury.

They will be without Gavan Holohan and John O’Flynn however, as the pair have been ruled out through injury, as well as John Kavanagh, who hasn’t played since the sides last met in Turners Cross.  

Referee: Neil Doyle

MATCH STATS

In the last ten league meets between the sides, Cork City have managed to win on five occasions, whereas the hosts have only managed to get the better of the Leesiders just twice, with the other four fixtures ending in draws

The last time Bohs have failed to score in a league game was against Cork City back in July, when the visitors on Friday ran out 4-0 winners.

Dalymount hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for John Caulfield as Cork City manager, in his only two visits he has lost once and drawn once.

BETTING

Bohemians: 13/8, Draw: 9/4, Cork City: 13/8

PREDICTION

Bohemians 0-1 Cork City

Bohemians

Injured: Derek Pender, Marc Griffin

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Cork City

Injured: John Kavanagh, Gavan Holohan, John O’Flynn

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None