Cork City -v- Waterford United
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Cork City welcome Waterford United to Turner’s Cross on Friday night in what should be a fascinating Munster derby (kick-off 7.45pm).
While the Blues’ season to date has been lacklustre, a win against their local rivals and another three points in their game on hand on City would have them just six points behind the Leesiders.
A defeat, however, would end any glimmer of hope for United in fashioning any sort of promotion challenge.
For City, the only unbeaten side left in either division, three points is imperative because they have also recorded the most draws – seven in 15 games.
The home side go into the game on the back of last week’s tie away to Monaghan. That was, considering the circumstances of Gavin Kavanagh’s sending off, a decent point but the pressure is now on to pick up three points, particularly with Shelbourne beginning to open up a gap at the top.
Waterford make the journey to Leeside without David Breen, who has an ankle injury, while Corkman Kevin Murray is rated doubtful against his hometown club.
Caretaker boss Paul O’Brien is in optimistic form going into the game: "We have a great spirit here despite everything that has happened recently and we can't wait now to get to Cork.
"That game will be a massive one for the club, the players and the supporters, but if we go to Cork with a positive attitude we can do well in Turner's Cross."
City, meanwhile, will be without the suspended Kavanagh but other than that Tommy Dunne will have a full squad at his disposal.
“This is a game we want to win to keep our challenge going,” the Cork boss said. “It’s a Munster Derby which is always a tough fixture, and although they are not in the top four at the moment, Waterford are a big threat.
“Any team that goes on a run of wins has the potential to challenge, and Waterford need to put a run together, so that will make them dangerous opponents for us tomorrow. They have some good players and we are under no illusions how difficult it will be to get a win.
“We have gone out with the intention of winning every game we have played this season, and our home form has been very good, so we will be aiming to continue that tomorrow night.
“In other seasons, our record so far might well have had us at the top of the table, but it is an extremely competitive league this season, and we need to keep winning games if we are to achieve promotion.
“We want to get all aspects of our performance right, to play the game properly and hopefully that will allow us to win the match.”
Cork City
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Gavin Kavanagh.
Waterford United
Injured: David Breen.
Doubtful: Kevin Murray.
Suspended: None.
Referee: James McKell.
Paddy Power Odds: Cork City 4/7; Draw 5/2; Waterford United 9/2.
Extratime prediction: City to narrowly edge it – 1-0.
While the Blues’ season to date has been lacklustre, a win against their local rivals and another three points in their game on hand on City would have them just six points behind the Leesiders.
A defeat, however, would end any glimmer of hope for United in fashioning any sort of promotion challenge.
For City, the only unbeaten side left in either division, three points is imperative because they have also recorded the most draws – seven in 15 games.
The home side go into the game on the back of last week’s tie away to Monaghan. That was, considering the circumstances of Gavin Kavanagh’s sending off, a decent point but the pressure is now on to pick up three points, particularly with Shelbourne beginning to open up a gap at the top.
Waterford make the journey to Leeside without David Breen, who has an ankle injury, while Corkman Kevin Murray is rated doubtful against his hometown club.
Caretaker boss Paul O’Brien is in optimistic form going into the game: "We have a great spirit here despite everything that has happened recently and we can't wait now to get to Cork.
"That game will be a massive one for the club, the players and the supporters, but if we go to Cork with a positive attitude we can do well in Turner's Cross."
City, meanwhile, will be without the suspended Kavanagh but other than that Tommy Dunne will have a full squad at his disposal.
“This is a game we want to win to keep our challenge going,” the Cork boss said. “It’s a Munster Derby which is always a tough fixture, and although they are not in the top four at the moment, Waterford are a big threat.
“Any team that goes on a run of wins has the potential to challenge, and Waterford need to put a run together, so that will make them dangerous opponents for us tomorrow. They have some good players and we are under no illusions how difficult it will be to get a win.
“We have gone out with the intention of winning every game we have played this season, and our home form has been very good, so we will be aiming to continue that tomorrow night.
“In other seasons, our record so far might well have had us at the top of the table, but it is an extremely competitive league this season, and we need to keep winning games if we are to achieve promotion.
“We want to get all aspects of our performance right, to play the game properly and hopefully that will allow us to win the match.”
Cork City
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Gavin Kavanagh.
Waterford United
Injured: David Breen.
Doubtful: Kevin Murray.
Suspended: None.
Referee: James McKell.
Paddy Power Odds: Cork City 4/7; Draw 5/2; Waterford United 9/2.
Extratime prediction: City to narrowly edge it – 1-0.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile