League Preview: Cork City -v- Dundalk

CORK CITY

Cork City will look to continue their perfect home form against their title rivals Dundalk as the league contenders clash in Turners Cross tonight (kick-off 7.15pm).

City enjoyed an excellent record against Dundalk up until their loss in Oriel Park earlier in the season and will be hoping to re-store their dominance in this fixture.

The Rebel Army have taken some criticism for their style of play in recent weeks and will relish this opportunity to silence the naysayers in front of a packed Turner’s Cross and the RTE cameras.

“We know, when we go into these games, that we need to be at our best," midfielder Gearoid Morrissey told the club's website.

"It is a hugely anticipated game and we can’t wait for it. In any league, when the two best teams play, everyone needs to be on their game and, when everybody is on their game, I think you come up a level.

“Playing in Turner’s Cross… we buzz off it. When you’re coming in and there are queues outside the gate, the buzz is great, it consumes the city. I think Turner’s Cross is special; the atmosphere is brilliant.

“We know how big a game it is and we know what we need to do. All we can do is focus on it, train hard and approach the game in the right way. If we put in the work, I think we can come out the right side of the result.”

Steven Beattie returns from suspension for this game and may be included to help shackle Dundalk star Michael Duffy. Johnny Dunleavy continues to work towards fitness but will be unavailable for this fixture.

DUNDALK

Dundalk have won many plaudits for their style of play and tough to break down defence this season. However despite already having beaten their nearest rivals Cork City in Oriel they cannot seem to shake the dogged double champions at the top of the table.

The Lilywhites will no doubt see this game as a great opportunity to seize control of top spot and put some distance between themselves and their Leeside rivals.

Having gone so long without conceding any goals The Town manged to let two in last Friday night against Derry City and will hope to restore their defensive solidity that has been so impressive this season.

Speaking to dundalkfc.com, midfielder John Mountney reflected on that result and looked ahead to their visit to the champions.

“The second goal was disappointing but I think there are a lot of positives for us to take. We created a lot of chances and I think we played well when we had it. It was just frustrating that we didn’t take all three points.

“We have to move on though. We are still unbeaten and we have to take the good points and push on.

“It’s a massive game for us on Friday. We want to put a gap between us. These are big games and they are ones that we want to play on. It’s going to be a full house and a big support from Dundalk.

“Hopefully it will be a good night for us. Cork City are a good side and we have had tough matches against them so far this year. We know it will be difficult but we want to go out and play the way we have been. We are playing well and we know it will be difficult but hopefully we can go there and get the win.”

Dundalk will have to deal without Lithuanian international Karolis Chvedukas who is recovering from an ankle injury. However, Brian Gartland, Daniel Cleary and Duffy have all been cleared to play.

Referee: Neil Doyle

MATCH  STATS

The sides have met on two occasions this season with both sides claiming one victory. Cork City were victorious 4-2 in the Presidents Cup while Dundalk won 1-0 in the league. Both these games were played in Oriel Park

Of the previous 12 meeting between these sides Cork City have been victorious on 9 occasions.

Cork City have yet to concede a goal at home and Dundalk have yet to concede away.

BETTING

Cork City 15/8, Draw 2/1, Dundalk 6/4.

PREDICTION

Cork City 2 – 0 Dundalk

Cork City

Injured: Johnny Dunleavy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured: Karolis Chvedukas.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended:  None.