EA Sports Cup Preview: Cork City -v- St. Patrick's Athletic

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Mon, May 18 2015




CORK CITY

Cork are in action in Turner’s Cross for the midweek game in a row as John Caulfield’s men welcome Liam Buckley and his Saint Patrick’s Athletic players for this EA Sports Cup quarter final tie.

 

Both managers are expected to name weakened sides, such is the lessened importance Premier Division managers now place on the League Cup, with Caulfield speaking in his pre-game notes on CorkCityFC.ie about the need to get the balance right when it comes to squad rotation.

 

“It was good to get a home draw in the quarter-final and we are looking forward to the game,” said Caulfield. “Obviously with the intense programme at the moment of four games in the space of just over a week, we will be making a lot of changes.

 

"A lot of lads are bursting to play and fitness levels are very high, so it will be a good chance for some of them to get a game.”

 

In team news, Ross Gaynor is once again available for selection following a hamstring injury but Kieran Djilali, John Dunleavy and Alan Bennett are all set to be sidelined for this quarter final match-up. Gavan Holohan is also missing this one due to his red card in the last round against Waterford United.

 

Following three consecutive league victories, over Sligo, Drogheda and Limerick, the former Athlone Town player has stated his determination to keep morale high and the momentum going on Tuesday night.

 

“I’m expecting us to give a high intensity performance and it is a good opportunity for us to see our strength in depth. Being a quarter final, they will all need to be on their toes and they are all really looking forward to it; there was a great buzz in training this morning because they all know it is a real opportunity for them.

 

"I’m hoping that we can give a good performance and win the match, which is what we expect to do.”

 

ST. PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

The club based in Richmond Park are heading to Cork for the first time this season as the Saints hope to cement their place in the last four of the competition.

 

The Saints haven’t won the tournament since 2003 but it is also important to note that 1999 was the last time Cork City picked up this trophy.

 

Manager Liam Buckley has reported no new injury concerns following his sides disappointing defeat on Saturday evening in Bray. Ger O’Brien and Christy Fagan are therefore the only two absentees from the travelling party.

 

Much like his Cork counterpart, the man who has now been at the helm of the Saints since 2012, is well aware that this quarter final should be treated with the respect that it deserves.

 

"Saturday was a disappointing result so we'll be looking to bounce back against Cork,” said Buckley. “It's the last eight of the cup so we'll be going there with the intention of winning. Games between ourselves and Cork have been very good games in the last few seasons so I'd expect another entertaining match.

 

"Turner's Cross is a great place to play as the surface there is always in top condition so it should be a game where both sides get it down and go for the win," Buckley said when he spoke with stpatsfc.com prior to the Tuesday’s fixture.

 

Referee: Sean Grant.

 

 

MATCH FACTS

Cork City and St. Pat’s last met in the quarter final of this competition back in 2011, a game in which City emerged 2-1 winners.

 

Cork haven’t lost a League Cup game at Turner’s Cross since 2011, when Eamon Zayed helped Derry City to the trophy in the final played in the Cork venue.

 

Gavan Holohan will miss this tie due to a red card suspension earned in the last round, but in the league the Cork faithful have yet to see one of their players sent off.

 

BETTING

Cork City 11/10; Draw 9/4; St Patrick’s Athletic 12/5.

 

PREDICTION

Cork City 2-1 St. Patrick’s Athletic

 

Cork City

Injured: John Dunleavy, Alan Bennett, Kieran Djilali.

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Gavan Holohan

 

St. Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Ger O’Brien, Christy Fagan

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.