League Preview: Cork City -v- Kerry

July 12th, 2024, Cathal O Sullivan of Cork City FC celebrates his goal during the League of Ireland First Division: Cork City vs Finn Harps played at Turners Cross, Cork, Ireland.

July 12th, 2024, Cathal O Sullivan of Cork City FC celebrates his goal during the League of Ireland First Division: Cork City vs Finn Harps played at Turners Cross, Cork, Ireland. Credit: David Ribeiro (ETPhotos)

CORK CITY

First Division leaders Cork City return to league action as they host Munster rivals Kerry on Friday (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

They come into the game having progressed to the third round of the FAI Cup with a win over Finn Harps. Malik Dijksteel proving to be the match winner last Saturday. 

Promotion is the main goal for the season and the Rebel Army will hope to extend their 15-point advantage at the top.

Tim Clancy stressed the importance of sustainability as the transfer deadline approaches when speaking to the Irish Examiner: “Its not easy where we are sitting at the moment. Players do not want to come down and play in the First Division.

"You have conversations with players that you would like to sign, but you have to be realistic with where we’re at”.

Jack Doherty is expected to start after being rested for the cup game.

KERRY

Second bottom Kerry travel to their Munster foes buoyed by an impressive win in the cup last weekend against Cobh Ramblers.

Early goals from Cian Brosnan and Ryan Kelliher proved to be the difference as they reached the last-16.



Their focus now switches to league form as they try to climb the table. Two wins from their last six games has kept them within reach of sides above them.   

Conor McCarthy expressed confidence in his side despite the challenge: “We have seen that in our two meetings to date that we can be very competitive against them. Especially in the game at Mounthawk Park, a penalty is all that separated the sides.

"That gives the boys confidence, and they are looking forward to the game.”

Recent arrival from Cork City, Oran Crowe, is in line to play some part on his return to Turner's Cross. 

Referee:David Dunne. 

 



MATCH STATS

Kerry will be hoping to score their first ever senior goal against their more illustrious rivals. Both games this season have finished 2-0 and 1-0 in favour of Cork. 

PREDICTION

Cork City 3-0 Kerry

 

Cork City 

Injured: N/A 

Doubtful: N/A 

Suspended: N/A

 

Kerry

Injured: Valerii Dolia

Doubtful: Antonia Tuta, Andy Spain. 

Suspended: Kennedy Amechi. 

 

About Philip Morrissey

Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile