Europa League Preview: Linfield -v- Cork City

LINFIELD

It has the potential to be an absolute cracker when Linfield host Cork City on Thursday night in their  Europa League First Qualifying  Round , first Leg game which will have the feel of a local derby about it.

The Belfast side have Northern Ireland’s  all time record goalscorer as their manager, in the form of David Healy.

He has a number of players who will be familiar to many, including goalkeeper Roy Carroll. The former Manchester United goalkeeper signed a month ago from Notts County and will bring plenty of experience to the side over the course of the season and given that Northern Ireland are now out of Euro 2016, he could very well be available for selection forThursday’s game.

Another player who will be very familiar indeed to the City players will be Ross Gaynor, who will be coming up against his former club for the first time.

Giving his thoughts ahead of the game, Linfield boss Healy said,

“Cork have been going well competitively over the last two or three years. We are under no illusions how difficult it is going to be, but  it is a game which our players should relish 100%.

“Our fans have been terrific home and away, certainly over the time I have been here so this is a big game and one which I am sure they will be looking forward to.

“As they are in the middle of their season, it will be a tough ask but it will be one which we will certainly not lack for in energy and organization.”

CORK CITY

Cork City have the advantage of playing the second leg at home, so a goal in Thursday’s first leg contest could turn out to be crucial.  

John Caulfield’s side are in flying form overall at the present moment in time and given that they could have faced Hearts from Scotland or Denmark’s FC Midtjylland, a side who knocked out English Premiership team Southampton last season while they eventually got knocked out by Manchester United, the draw is a very welcome one in terms of travel costs for Cork, who should bring a large away support up to Belfast for the game.

Speaking at the club’s press conference in Bishopstown ahead of the eagerly awaited Europa League tie, Caulfield said,

“The lads have to prepare well Linfield are seeded and they have been in Europe almost every year in their history, so they will expect to go through. For us, it is about keeping cool heads,showing discipline and going out and giving the kind of performance that we have given a lot this year.”

“I think it will be a hell for leather game and I think we need to be composed and disciplined. I think it is important that we get back to basics, that we work hard and move the ball quickly and play like we have done up to the break. If we give a strong performance, I think we will win, but it’s played over two legs and I think it will go right to the wire.”

Cork will be definitely be without John Dunleavy and John Kavanagh.   Karl Sheppard and Michael McSweeney will undergo late fitness tests to determine if they will be able to play, while Alan Bennett and Kenny Browne are also both rated as doubtful for the Linfield contest.

City will fancy their chances of progression, but it should be a passionate affair between the two sides, with the prize of facing Sweden’s BK Hacken on offer for the winner.

Referee: Bart Vertenten (Belgium).

MATCH FACTS

Linfield are the most experienced Northern Irish team in European competition. They have played 105 games in Europe, including getting to the quarter final of the European Cup in  1966.

The last time the sides met was in 2007, in the Setanta Cup, when Linfield knocked Cork out 1-0 in the semi final.

Cork City will be facing a team from Northern Ireland in European Competition for the very first time.

BETTING

Linfield  6/4 ; Draw  11/5  ; Cork City  17/11. 

PREDICTION

Linfield 0-2 Cork City.

Linfield

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended:  N/A.

Cork City

Injured: John Dunleavy, John Kavanagh.

Doubtful: Alan Bennett, Kenny Browne, Michael McSweeney, Karl Sheppard.

Suspended: None.