Waterford United -v- Cork City

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The final Munster Derby of the season takes place on Tuesday night in the RSC as Cork City look to continue their promotion push against Waterford United. Kick-off 7.45pm.

The home side come into the game on the back of a 3-1 win against Salthill Devon on Saturday night while City were narrowly defeated 1-0 by St. Patrick’s Athletic last Friday night. City also look forward to an EA Sports Cup final against Derry City on Saturday.

Team news
Kevin Murray, Paul Murphy and Adam McSherry all miss the game through suspension while Conor Sinnott remains injured for the home side. Daryl Horgan returns to the Cork squad having been cup-tied on Friday night, while goalkeeper Mark McNulty is doubtful with a back injury. Neal Horgan (knee) and Ian Turner (hamstring) remain doubtful.

Manager’s View
Cork City manager Tommy Dunne is expecting another tough game for his side: “It is a massive game for us, there is no doubt about that. Munster derbies are always tough games, and we need to go down there looking to come out of the game with the three points. We are at a crucial point in the season where every game is important.”

Dunne admits it is vital that mistakes made at the reverse tie in Turners Cross are not repeated, with Waterford United the only side to have defeated City in the league this season. “I thought a couple of the goals we conceded in the game at Turner’s Cross were the result of poor defending from our point of view, so we need to make sure we are at the game and that we turn in a good, disciplined performance as we aim to get the win.”

Waterford United manager Paul O’Brien was happy with his side having come from behind to win at the weekend. "Conditions were very tough and the tight pitch in Drom puts us under a little more pressure than normal but I thought the lads did well to get back into the game and then drive on for the win."

"This is one of our favourite games of the season”, he said looking to the City game. “It is always full of passion and it is easy to motivate the players for this one. We have one win each this season so we want to get the win at home which hasn't been done by either side this year!"

"It will be a tight game and we will need to maintain our concentration for the full 90 minutes - one lapse and we will be punished."

The home side came out on top of the game in Turners Cross but City have already beaten the Blues in the RSC twice this season. A win for City will move them into second place in the First Division table while the home side can strengthen their fifth place position.

Waterford United
Injured:Conor Sinnott.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Kevin Murray, Paul Murphy, Adam McSherry.

Cork City
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Mark McNulty, Neal Horgan, Ian Turner, Stephen Mulcahy.
Suspended:None.

Referee: Neil Doyle.
Paddy Power Odds: Waterford United 11/4; Draw 9/4; Cork City 10/11.
Extratime prediction: City to continue their promotion push with a 2-1 win.