League Preview: Cork City -v- Sligo Rovers

Cork City

Cork, currently without a manager, will face the first of two consecutive home games this Friday night at 19.45, welcoming Sligo Rovers to Turners Cross.

Liam Kearney, Richie Holland, and Liam Buckley are once again tasked with selecting the side, while the search for a permanent manager continues.

In dramatic fashion, Cork's latest defeat came as they had two red cards and conceded two late goals to Dundalk. This 2-1 loss at Oriel Park was their 10th defeat of the season so far.

Richie Holland sought to highlight the encouraging points from that game: “We can take away some positives from the performance. Even when we were out of possession, I thought we were comfortable at many stages of the game. However, certain decisions turned the game around, energized the crowd, and we couldn’t hold out.”

Due to suspensions, the trio of Ally Gilchrist, Cian Coleman, and Josh Honohan will all miss the game.

Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers are heading south, hoping to get their season back on track after a difficult spell in recent weeks.

Their home loss to Shelbourne on Saturday marked their second in a row and third in four games, a result of the injuries plaguing the side.

Currently, they are nine points behind Bohemians in third place and are slipping further behind those in contention.

John Russell is expecting a strong response after that recent defeat: “We know we need a big reaction after last weekend’s performance. We didn’t show enough energy, intensity, or quality on the night. The players are eager to put that right on Friday night. Cork City was unlucky in their last game against Dundalk so we know we will need to be at our best to get a result down there.”

The injury list remains extensive, although Max Mata, James Finnerty, John Mahon, Fabrice Hartman, and Niall Morahan have resumed training and could participate.

Referee: David Dunne

MATCH STATS

At the start of the season, Cork City delivered an impressive performance up at the Showgrounds. Goals from Ruairi Keating and Jonas Hakkinen put the promoted side in a commanding position going into the closing stages. Eanna Clancy landed a response with about ten minutes to go before they drew themselves level in injury time. Kailin Barlow going to ground resulted in Max Mata netting the penalty, despite Cork's protests at the award.

BETTING

Cork City 23/10, Draw 23/10, Sligo Rovers 21/20

PREDICTION

Cork City 1-1 Sligo Rovers

Cork City

Injured: Tobi Oluwayemi

Doubtful: Jonas Hakkinen

Suspended: Ally Gilchrist, Cian Coleman, Josh Honohan

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Gary Boylan, Garry Buckley, Conor Walsh, Eanna Clancy, Mark Byrne, Karl O’ Sullivan

Doubtful: Max Mata, James Finnerty, John Mahon, Fabrice Hartman, Niall Morahan

Suspended: N/A