Cork City vs Derry City

For the second time in 5 days these two sides meet at Turners Cross. After playing three times this season so far they've only been separated by a goal in total with it standing at 5-4 on aggregate.

In their first meeting back in March, Dave Mooney scored his first Cork City goal before substitute Connor Sammon grabbed a late equaliser for the Candystripes.At the Brandywell, it looked like game over for Cork at 2-0 but after a miraculous turn-around they ran out 3-2 winners with Mooney and Behan the scorers on the night.Last weeks game was a carbon copy of their first meeting. Cork bossed the majority of the game and went one-nil up but Derry grabbed a late equaliser, this time from the left boot of another substitute, Thomas Stewart.

The cup holders have only one player definitely ruled out and that is defender, Pat Sullivan who is still recovering from an ankle ligament injury which he sustained at Shamrock Rovers a forthnight ago. The Leesiders welcome back midfield dynamo Joe Gamble from suspension but both Denis Behan and Cillian Lordan will be assessed prior to the game after they both picked up knocks during last Monday's draw.

Cork City boss Alan Mathews told CorkCityFC.ie: "We played out a one all draw with Derry on Monday in a game that was a tightly fought affair. There was very little between the sides in the league game, and while I would expect the same to be the case tonight, I do not think Monday's result will have any real bearing on tonight's encounter."

Derry have Barry Molloy and Stephen Gray back from suspension, Molloy is expected to take a place on the bench and Gray will slot in at the back. Reports from Foyleside suggest that defensive stalwart Peter Hutton will return for the first time since the 2-0 win over Glentoran in the Setanta Cup.

Looking at the stats from both clubs, it's clear that the Rebel Army have a habit of conceding late. Their average time for first goal conceded at is the 64th minute and they've dropped several league points by letting in goals late on at the 'Cross, twice against tomorrow opponents. Derry have only come back from a losing position to earn a point twice this season and these were both away to Cork. Who is to say it won't happen again.

The main battle on the pitch will be between Denis Behan, if fit, and the Derry centre backs. Last Monday's game had an intriguing physical battle between Behan and Derry defender Clive Delaney until the big striker got injured and was subsequently taken off. He is City's most important player now as he is their sole striker. If fit he will aim to unsettle the Derry defence physically and a lot of ball will be played direct to him and then laid off to the advancing midfielders.

Extratime Prediction: As the previous 3 games have shown, these two sides are neck and neck. A close game is expected with Cork (11/8) lacking up front and Derry(13/8) also without players a draw would be a good bet at 21-10. It wouldn't be a surprise if this game ended up 1-1 again.