Cork City -v- Shamrock Rovers

CORK CITY

After losing their opening two games since returning to the top flight, Cork City boss Tommy Dunne still has several injury problems to contend with for the visit of the champions.

The loss of Shane Duggan through suspension for the next three games will further add to his woes, seeing as fellow midfielder Colin Healy is ruled out with a knee injury. That means Cathal Lordan could line-up alongside Gearóid Morrissey in the centre.

One other change could be the inclusion of Tadhg Purcell, who was relegated to the bench because of a niggling injury in the 3-2 loss to Drogheda United last time out.

Dunne said: “If we play to our potential, then we will give ourselves an opportunity of getting a result. We need to show a bit more urgency and compete for possession, which will allow us to get on the ball and play.

“Shamrock Rovers are the champions so we know that it will be a tough game for us, but games like this are the reason why we fought so hard to get back into the Premier Division and why we want to make sure we stay in the division. It’s a big fixture, and one we are looking forward to, but we know also that we have to improve on our performances of the last two games.

“We had a great crowd last week and there is huge interest in the game again this week. We got great support from the crowd against Drogheda and if they get behind us like that again, then it will be a boost to the team.”

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers have picked up where they left off last season, claiming all six points up for grabs so far. They got their season off to a great start when coming from behind to beat Drogheda United on the opening night, while they also repeated a similar feat at home to new boys Monaghan United at Tallaght.

Ciaran Kilduff and Conor Winn are definitely ruled out, with Conor McCormack also set to miss out as he makes his way back from an ankle injury. Gary McCabe, meanwhile, remains a major doubt after picking up a thigh injury.

Hoops boss Stephen Kenny is expecting a good game at the Cross: “Cork are a major addition to the Premier Division this year and Turner’s Cross is a great venue when full. I think it’s right that clubs like Cork are in the Premier, the league needs a city like Cork represented.

“From our point of view, I think we’ve had a good start to the season, we’ve won all our games so far. I think we played extremely well in the first half against Drogheda and in the second half against Monaghan; it’s now time for us to put a good 90 minutes together.

“The players are playing with confidence, and they need to bring that into what will be a tough game against Cork. They need to go out and express themselves on what should be a good pitch on the night. Cork have brought in some good players, and our new players have settled in well, so it has all the makings of a very good game.”

Referee: Neil Doyle.

MATCH STATS

Three Cork City players have formerly played with Shamrock Rovers: Dan Murray, Danny Murphy and Tadhg Purcell.

Two Shamrock Rovers players previously plied their trade at Turner’s Cross: Billy Dennehy and Stephen O’Donnell.

The last competitive meeting between these sides was on October 20 2009 when City defeated Rovers 2-1 at Tallaght Stadium. Their most recent meeting at Turner’s Cross was a 0-0 draw in August 2009.

BETTING

Paddy Power Odds:  Cork City 15/4; Draw 12/5; Shamrock Rovers 3/4.

PREDICTION

Cork will improve on last week’s showing but will still find it difficult to beat the champions: 2-1 Rovers.

Cork City Injury News: Stephen Mulcahy, Neal Horgan, Kevin Murray, Colin Healy.

Cork City Suspension News: Shane Duggan.

Shamrock Rovers Injury News: Ciaran Kilduff, Conor Winn, Conor McCormack, Gary McCabe (doubt).

Shamrock Rovers Suspension News: None.