Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)
Europa League Preview: Cork City -v- Levadia Tallinn
- Dave Donnelly
- Thu, Jul 06 2017
CORK CITY
Cork City have one foot in the second qualifying round of the Europa League as they take a 2-0 lead back to Turner's Cross as they host Levadia Tallinn of Estonia (kick-off 7.45pm).
City are anticipating a sell-out of just under 7,000 with over 70% of tickets already sold b Wednesday, and fans are advised to arrive early for ease of access.
Goals in either half from Garry Buckley and Steven Beatie ensured the Leesiders took a commanding lead away from the first leg in Parnu.
City endured a couple of nervy moments, including one shot Mark McNulty tipped off the bar, against ten men in the second half but they got the all-important second goal shortly before the end.
“I think it is a different type of game now,” City boss John Caulfield told the club's official website.
“Overall, I felt we were very good in the first half and I think 2-0 was a fair reflection of the game. At the same time, they know about us now and may change their formation.
“They need to come here and score to open the game up, so we need to manage the game properly. It is always a tricky situation because people may assume you are already in the next round, but you’re not and you have to approach the game properly.”
“It’s another game; they will be looking to score, silence the crowd and make it nervy. We are looking at a situation that, if we score first, it puts us in a great position.
“I think it will be an interesting match. Their manager is saying that they can play much better, so we will see.”
Defender Alan Bennett has returned to light training after not being risked last week and may return in place of Conor McCormack, but John Dunleavy and John Kavanagh are both injured.
LEVADIA TALLINN
Levadia arrive in Cork ranked outsiders following their 2-0 reverse in Parnu last week and knowing they essentially have a free shot at the league leaders.
Levadia's unbeaten run this season came to a halt at the hands of City seven days ago and, like City, they had no league game in between.
Head coach Igor Prins will take encouragement from the way the team played after being reduced to ten men last week, looking the more dangerous side for long spells.
Striker Nikita Andreev hit the crossbar shortly before Steven Beattie scored City's second and, on another day, could have taken a score draw into the second leg.
"We came here to play and try to advance,” Prins told the club's official website.
“In the previous game, we did not do some things correctly, but the second half we were able to put up a resistance and take it to the opposition with ten men.
“We have an opportunity now and we will try to take it.”
Levadia will be without defender Luc Manga following his red card last week
Referee: Jarl Gunnar Jonsson (Iceland).
MATCH STATS
Last week's match in Tallinn was the first time Cork City have faced Estonian opposition in Europe, so their 2-0 win gives them a 100% record they'll look to maintain tonight.
Levadia Tallinn have history against League of Ireland opposition in Europe, having stood in Drogheda United's way in Champions League qualifying in 2008-09.
The Estonian side found themselves better home and away, however, falling 3-1 on aggregate to a Drogs side who came within the width of the bar of beating Dynamo Kyiv in the next round.
They played Bohemians twice in European competition, losing 3-0 on aggregate to Stephen Kenny's side in the Champions League in 2001.
Their second meeting with the Gypsies was a happier one as they won out 3-1 on aggregate against a Bohs side managed by Gareth Farrelly in the UEFA Cup.
BETTING
Cork City 2/9; Draw 9/2; Levadia Tallinn 16/1.
PREDICTION
Cork City 1 – 0 Levadia Tallinn
Cork City
Injured: John Dunleavy (knee), John Kavanagh (hamstring).
Doubtful: Alan Bennett (foot).
Suspended: None.
Levadia Tallinn
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Luc Manga.
