League Preview: Cork City - V - Sligo Rovers

CORK CITY

Cork City host Sligo Rovers at Turner's Cross in a re-arranged Premier Division game this evening (KO 7.45pm), as the home side return to league action after their European campaign came to an end last Thursday with a 2-1 home defeat to KRC Genk.

After six games in the Europa League, where Cork overcame Linfield, and BK Hacken of Sweden, it was against Genk where the adventure finally came to an end. Caulfield knows his players can be proud of their efforts and achievements, but is hoping they quickly switch focus back to the league.

“It has been a very intense six weeks and we intend making a couple of changes. Overall, it was a fantastic European campaign and I am hoping that will stand us in good stead for the second half of the season. While we were disappointed on Thursday night, we are well aware that we have a massive match tomorrow night. We trained well this morning and there are no excuses; we need to win the match and we know that.”

Caulfield has already faced Sligo under Dave Robertson this season. At the beginning of April both sides played in The Showgrounds and were inseparable in a 0-0 draw. Caulfield will be hoping Cork's strong home form and great home support can give them the edge over a Sligo side on the up.

“Sligo have done really well, they are a tricky team and they have a lot of pace and energy in their side. They had a great win on Friday away to Wexford, so we know we will have to be on our game and I expect us to be ready from the off tomorrow.”

Cork will be without a number of players this evening. John Dunleavy, John Kavanagh and reserve goalkeeper Alan Smith remain side-lined. After the European campaign a number of players have bumps and bruises with which to contend with and as a result Michael McSweeney, Alan Bennett, Steven Beattie and Sean Maguire are all doubts ahead of tonight's game.

SLIGO ROVERS

The Bit O' Red travel to the south-west of Ireland for the first time this season only a few days after having travelled to the south-east of Ireland. Sligo are busy building up the mileage, and are travelling to Cork confident of their chances.

A massive 5-0 victory on Friday night was just reward for Dave Robertson's team. In a close first half, his Sligo team came alive during the second half and utterly humiliated Wexford Youths. It was the first of four matches in an 11-day period and so there's no time for Sligo to rest on their laurels.

“Going to Wexford is very tough and to get five goals there is no mean feat, not many teams will go there and do that. Everyone is the squad now is in buoyant mood and high in confidence. We can approach tomorrow night’s game with confidence,” Robertson said.

Perhaps fundamental to Sligo's success and upward trend this season has been their improvements in defence. Friday night's win was their fourth clean sheet in five games and a tight defence will be absolutely crucial tonight if Sligo are going to get a positive result from Turner's Cross.

Robertson is able to welcome back Gain Peers and Jimmy Keohane into the match day squad following respective suspensions. Both players missed the 5-0 victory against Wexford Youths and so may have to earn their places back in the team. French striker Achille Campion scored on his debut and will be looking to be involved again tonight. The only absence for Sligo is Regan Donelon who remains absent with a hamstring injury.

Referee: N/A.

MATCH STATS

Cork City are unbeaten at home this season in the league, with seven wins and one draw to boast about from their eight league games at Turner’s Cross. They're also extremely mean in defence both home and away. Six goals have been conceded in 17 league games this season, the main strength in their title challenge.

Sligo Rovers are unbeaten in five league games and therefore unbeaten since the mid-season break. The Bit O'Red have only lost two league games in their previous 12 league matches. Their confidence can therefore be backed up by a solid bit of form coming into this game.

Cork are on a five match winning streak at home in the league. Their last league home match came before the mid-season break when league champions Dundalk were beaten 1-0. It's been almost ten months since Cork last tasted defeat at home in the league, losing 3-2 to Longford Town in the middle of October last season.

BETTING

Cork City 1/2; Draw 3/1; Sligo Rovers 11/2.

PREDICTION

Cork City 1-0 Sligo Rovers.

Cork City

Injured: John Dunleavy, John Kavanagh, Alan Smith.

Doubtful: Michael McSweeney, Alan Bennett, Steven Beattie, Sean Maguire.

Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Regan Donelon.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.