League Preview: Dundalk -v- Cork City

Darragh Leahy in action for Dundalk

Darragh Leahy in action for Dundalk Credit: John-Paul McGinley (ETPhotos)

DUNDALK

Dundalk welcome Cork City to Oriel Park on Monday knowing that their European ambitions are hanging by a thread (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

A humbling defeat against Galway United in the FAI Cup ended their hopes of reaching Europe next season by winning the cup.

And Friday night’s subsequent defeat against St Patrick’s Athletic left them struggling to find any hope of clawing themselves back into the mix.

Two goals from Tommy Lonergan and a penalty from Mason Melia killed the Lilywhites off at Richmond Park with Daryl Horgan scoring what proved to be a mere consolation.

But they also lost midfielder Robbie Benson to a red card during that game.

His dismissal will see him miss Monday’s game against Cork City.

If the Co Louth side win against the Leesiders, they will move back into the hunt – but they need other results to go their way if they are to qualify for Europe next term.

CORK CITY

Cork City boss Liam Buckley hopes his side will still have ‘lots’ to play for after they face Dundalk on Monday evening.



City sit nine points behind Drogheda United and Sligo Rovers in their desperate bid to avoid a relegation play-off in November.

But they do have a game in hand over both teams, and that comes tonight.

However, the wind has been taken out of their sails somewhat following Sligo Rovers’ win against Derry City on Friday and City’s 2-1 loss against Shelbourne.

“The Sligo result is a double-whammy for us in relation to where we’re at,” he told LOI TV after the game.

“That said, there are still a half-dozen games to go and we’ll give it our best and see where we go from there.

“We’ve a couple of games, please God, in the Cup so there’s still a lot to play for.”



Darragh Crowley, Rokas Stanulevicius, Tiernan Brooks, Barry Coffey and Kevin Custovic are all out for City.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

 

PREDICTION

Dundalk 2-0 Cork City

 

Dundalk

Injured: Andy Boyle, Louie Annesley.

Doubtful: Keith Ward.

Suspended: None.

 

Cork City

Injured: Darragh Crowley, Rokas Stanulevicius, Tiernan Brooks, Barry Coffey, Kevin Custovic.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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