League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Cork City

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SLIGO ROVERS

John Russell’s Sligo Rovers welcome Cork City to the Showgrounds on Saturday as they look to propel themselves up the table (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Bit O’ Red slumped to defeat against Drogheda United eight days ago but reacted well to that setback with a big win at home to St Patrick’s Athletic on Monday night.

And their head coach Russell explained: “We face a Cork City side full of confidence, and a team who have scored 8 goals in their last two games.

“They have good players all over the pitch so, we know it’s going to be a tough game.

“We want to make The Showgrounds a fortress this season. The supporters have come out in their numbers for our first two home games and the atmosphere was electric.

“The players really fed off that energy so we’re hoping for another big turnout, and a big performance.”

John Mahon is Sligo’s only new absentee as he is ruled out due to a suspension picked up last week.

Gary Boylan, Garry Buckley and Mark Byrne will all miss the game due to long-term injuries.

CORK CITY



After picking up four points from their last two games against UCD and Shamrock Rovers, Cork City are on the road again to face Sligo Rovers.

Colin Healy’s side lost their first two games of the season against Bohemians and Derry City.

But a win against UCD and a draw away to Shamrock Rovers has given City a new lease of life upon their return to the Premier Division.

And boss Healy said: “I know these lads can play at this level, 100 percent, I think they are showing that now.

“What we want is competition, we want competition in training and competition [in matches], and I think that drives the players on to make them even better.

“I think you can see that the players are loving playing at this level and they don’t look out of place.” 



Aaron Bolger is ruled out for Cork City, with Tobi Oluwayemi also likely to miss out on the Leesiders trip to the Showgrounds.

Barry Coffey is a major doubt for the game.

Referee: Arnie Hunter.

 

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2 - 0 Cork City

 

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Garry Buckley, Mark Byrne, Gary Boylan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: John Mahon.

 

Cork City

Injured: Aaron Bolger, Tobi Oluwayemi.

Doubtful: Barry Coffey.

Suspended: None.

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