League Preview: Derry City -v- Cork City

This Monday night has scheduled one of the biggest league games of the season as Cork City make the long trip north to play second place Derry City at the Brandywell Stadium. (KO 7.45pm).

DERRY CITY
Derry City ran rampant against a struggling Finn Harps side on Friday night as they beat their North West rivals 5-0.

It was the ‘Candystripes’ biggest win of the current season and saw themselves move into second spot above Cork City.

With Shamrock Rovers losing on Friday night manager Kenny Shiels would have taken a lot of encouragement as he looks to guide his side to a top three finish in order to cement a spot in Europe next season.

Up next for Derry is Cork and they already produced a 1-0 victory over John Caulfield’s side at the Brandywell earlier this season, something Shiels will be looking to repeat.

However, injury concerns will once again be a major worry for Kenny Shiels who confirmed, after his sides 5-0 victory, Derry will be without top goalscorer Rory Patterson and captain Ryan McBride for the clash against Cork.

It is possible Derry could also be without midfielder Conor McCormack for the game and Shiels tried to counteract the injury crisis by signing Spanish defender Christian Ortega on a short term deal, but the Spaniard won’t be eligible for tomorrows game.

Playing Cork City wouldn’t be an easy challenge if Derry had their preferred starting eleven, but with so many injuries’ to key players it will be even tougher for the ‘foylersiders’ to repeat their 1-0 victory over Cork City this time around.

A win tomorrow would be a major step in the right direction and their European hopes for next season. A win would also see them go four points clear of Cork in second place and go one point behind champions Dundalk.
 

CORK CITY
Cork City have had their ups and downs as of late. A victory over Hacken in Europe meant a special night at Turners Cross, but with the good came the bad.

With no win in their last four including two defeats to Belgium side Genk brought Cork’s Europa League qualification dream to an abrupt end.

But it’s back to league business for John Caulfield and his side who need to get back in form if they are to challenge champions Dundalk for the title going into the final few games.

Cork City’s return to league action hasn’t come quite as good as they would have hoped-for. A defeat against Sligo and a draw at Bohemians on Friday has saw them fail to close the gap between them and Dundalk and they have dropped down to third position.

Next up is Derry City who have been a pain in the side for Cork this season, already winning two out of the three matches played and John Caufield believes Derry are back in the title race.

Speaking to the club website Caufield said: “With the form of ourselves and Dundalk over the last few weeks, Derry are back in with a chance and that’s great for them. They have an excellent team and they are one of the most experienced teams in this league. They are putting themselves in a position to challenge for the title and that’s good for the league.”

A defeat early in the season at the Brandywell and a defeat in the EA Sports Cup at Turners Cross will leave Caulfield with much to think about.

A victory at the Brandywell would see them close the gap on Dundalk to two points with both teams with games in hand and Caulfield knows his side must improve quickly.

“We have created a lot of chances but the disappointing side is that we have not been taking them,” Caulfield said. “It is a really, really tough game tomorrow against Derry but you can’t feel sorry for yourself, you have to get your head back and get back to basics.

“Every game throws up its own challenge and we know tomorrow night is a massive game and a huge task for us, but there is no hiding place, you have to stand up and be counted,” he explained.

“We are at the top of the league and challenging for a title, so that’s what you need. All year, these guys have been fantastic and I expect that tomorrow night, we will be ready to go,” he continued.

A very tough challenge for Cork City tomorrow, but Caulfield expects the challenge and will be out for revenge against a weakened Derry City side.

“This league will go right to the wire. We have to bounce back now and show our character; show how good we have been all season. When you hit a blip, you have to bounce back. While it has been a disappointing week, everything is still to play for and there are no excuses; we expect to stay up there and challenge right to the end,” he concluded.

Referee: David McKeown
 

MATCH STATS
This will be the 92nd meeting between the two clubs. Cork City have won 37. Derry City have won 27. There has been 27 draws.

Derry City have won two out of the three matches played this season.

Cork City have only lost one game in the last ten league games between the two sides, most recently in March at the Brandywell.
 

BETTING
Derry City 2/1; Draw 5/2; Cork City 5/4.

PREDICTION
Derry City 1-1 Cork City
 

Derry City
Injured: Rory Patterson, Ryan McBride, Aaron Barry, Patrick McClean, Gareth McGlynn.
Doubtful: Conor McCormack, Dean Jarvis, Conor McDermott.
Suspended: None.

Cork City
Injured: John Dunleavy, John Kavanagh, Alan Smith.
Doubtful: Alan Bennett, Greg Bolger, Steven Beattie and Kevin O’Connor.
Suspended: None.