League Preview: Cork City -v- Bohemians

CORK CITY

Champions Cork City again return to Turner’s Cross looking to recover from a disappointing away result as they welcome Bohemians to Leeside (kick-off 7.45pm).

Last Monday it was an away loss to Dundalk but this week it was a draw in the Market's Field against Munster Rivals Limerick.

City manager John Caulfield will be especially concerned by the lack of goals from play. This fixture was postponed due to Storm Emma a fortnight ago and since then City have struggled in front of goal.

Only two goals have been scored in the last three games with both of those coming from a Kieran Sadlier penalty. This is in stark contrast to the team that scored nine times in their opening three league fixtures and a further four in the President’s Cup.

Caulfield also has headaches at the other end of the pitch as John Dunleavy's long-term absence is coupled with defensive mainstays Alan Bennett and Steven Beattie both being doubts.

Speaking to the media after training on Sunday morning Caulfield was optimistic but wary of the threat posed by the visiting Bohemian side.

“Bohemians are a seriously tough, physical side who beat us down here last year,” he said.

“It is an opportunity for us to bounce back but we need to be ready for that. For ourselves, it is a case of getting out there and starting well.

“Every week it is a different challenge, but the key is to be ready from the start. If you underestimate someone and don’t start well, you get penalised.”

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians travel to Cork without a win in their last five games following their excellent opening night victory in the Dublin Derby over Shamrock Rovers.

They have drawn twice and lost three since that opening night fixture. All their losses were by a single goal and they were dragged back by Sligo Rovers twice on Friday having taken the lead on two occasions..

Speaking to the media after the match Keith Long was positive about his team’s performance.

“I thought the performance was really good, there were obviously moments in the game when the opposition come into it, you expect that.

“Overall I thought we played on the front foot and created chances. We’re unlucky their keeper makes a world class save at the end. The bounce of the ball didn’t go our way tonight but we scored some good goals.”

Bohemians will again have to deal without long-term absentee Ryan Swan but will be buoyed by the return of Rob Manley and Kevin Devaney.

Referee: Tomas Connolly

MATCH STATS

The two sides finished honours even in their three fixtures in the league last year.

Cork City won the opening game n Dalymount Park. Karl Sheppard scored an exquisite volley from just outside the box which even had the visiting Barcelona schoolboys team on their feet.

Bohemians got their payback in Turners Cross as they ended Cork City’s long unbeaten run.

In the final game the teams couldn’t be separated with the game ending in an entertaining nil-all draw back in Dalymount.

BETTING

Cork City 1/3; Draw 7/2; Bohemians 7/1.

PREDICTION

Cork City 2 – 0 Bohemians

Cork City

Injured: Johnny Dunleavy.

Doubtful: Steven Beattie, Alan Bennett.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Ryan Swan, Cristian Magerusan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.