EA Sports Cup Preview: Waterford -v- Cork City

• Dylan O'Connell
• Mon, Apr 23 2018




WATERFORD

Waterford welcome Cork City to the RSC for Monday's EA Sports Cup tie with the prize on offer for the winners being a trip to Sligo for the quarter-final. (kick off 7.45pm).

 

The Blues earned the win in the most recent meeting betweent the teams - a fiery affair at the RSC which Waterford won 2-1 with Coutney Duffus grabbing the winner.

 

There were a number of suspensions following a donnybrook at the end of that league encounter but the Blues can now will welcome back Bastien Héry, Gavan Holohan and Sander Puri from suspension.

 

“It’s great that we have Bastien, Gavan and Sander available for the game against Cork City but we’ll rest a few as well," said Alan Reynolds speaking ahead of the match.

 

"It’s a game that I want to win though because it’s one of three competitions that we can win so I’d like to progress in it.” 

The Blues beat Bray on Friday night and reflecting on that victory Reynolds said “I thought we did well in the opening 20 minutes against Bray Wanderers but I changed things around for the second half. 

 

"I looked at Kenny Browne playing out there with broken ribs and I think back to hurlers like Ken McGrath and just like him, he is a warrior.

 
“I was delighted to hear the crowd getting behind Izzy Akinade as well. He is only 23 years old and he needs encouragement because he gets stick from certain supporters around the country.


 
“I was delighted for Faysel Kasmi as well.  He is a great character in the dressing room and he is the life and soul of the place. He took a while to get match fit and people were waiting to see what he was capable of and I believe he will prove to be a major signing for us.
 
 

CORK CITY

Raring to go once more, John Caulfield’s Cork City side will be bidding to reach the quarter finals of the EA Sports Cup this evening when his side lock horns once more with Waterford at the RSC (kick off 7.45pm). 

 

From the famed youth academy at Bishopstown, Caulfield will be hoping to push the youths into the limelight tonight, with his side traveling some of the club's under 19 talent. Called up are under 19 players David Harrington, Ronan Hurley, Rory Doyle, Alec Byrne and Cian Murphy.

 

Speaking on these developments, Caulfield stressed the opportunity for the players on the periphery of the first team squad.

 

“We will make a lot of changes, with the three games in a week," said Caulfield. "A lot of the lads are absolutely shattered after the other night, but it is great for the boys on the bench and we will play a number of our 19s as well.

 

"For the 19s, it is a great opportunity because quite a few of them have potential and we want to see what they are like in this environment. We will have a competitive team but is a situation where our supporters who travel will see some new faces as well.

 

“Everyone who starts will get a chance to show what they can do. I think the lads on the bench can see that, if they do well (in Waterford), they have a real opportunity to get a start in the league games.”

 

Referee: Sean Grant

 

BETTING

Waterford 7/5 Draw 15/8 7/4

 

PREDICTION

Cork City 2-1 Waterford 

 

Waterford

Injured: None.

Unavailable: John Kavanagh (as on loan from Cork City).

Doubtful: None. 

Suspended: Stanley Aborah.

 

Cork City

Injured: Johnny Dunleavy.

Doubtful: None. 

Suspended: Steven Beattie.

 

Additional reporting by Macdara Ferris

 One game on tonight in #EASPORTSCup as @WaterfordFCie play host to @CorkCityFCpic.twitter.com/Cc7qRTgS6a

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) April 23, 2018