Europa League Preview: Rosenborg BK -v- Cork City

• Dylan O'Connell
• Thu, Aug 16 2018




ROSENBORG

Rosenborg know all they need to do is hold firm as the Norwegian heavyweights prepare for tonight’s clash with Cork City holding a 2-0 advantage (kick off 7:45pm, live on RTE? 2).

A brace from winger Jonathan Levi gave the Troll Children the perfect opening at Turner's Cross last week, as the Norwegian side were 2-0 up inside the opening 45 minutes.

Swedish under-21 international Levi burst down past Shane Griffin to roll a neat placed finish through the legs of Mark McNulty at the near post and make it 1-0 after 22 minutes.

Rosenborg struck again through Levi before the break as the movement of Mike Jensen and Marius Lundemo made space for the winger, who fired off the post and in.

With two away goals secured, Rosenborg come in to tonight’s tie with a commanding lead and almost a full squad to pick from.

While they carry no suspensions or recent injuries, only the long term injury to Samuel Adebgenro has denied the hosts a full squad to pick from.

CORK CITY

Cork City travel to Norway this evening with a mountain to climb as the Rebel Army hope to overcome a 2-0 defect against Rosenborg.

Were they to upset the odds, City would become the first Irish side to overcome a home first leg defeat to progress in Europe.

A brace from winger Jonathan Levi in last week’s home leg at Turners Cross has placed the Rebel Army’s European ambitions in jeopardy.

John Caulfield’s side showed grit and determination even at 2-0 down in an encouraging performance.

Barry McNamee, Karl Shappard and Graham Cummins all tested the Rosenborg defense, but fine margins denied City and they left frustrated not to get a goal at the Shed End.

“We feel that the next goal will be very important,” Caulfield said in advance of the second leg.

“If we can score, then the game is back on.

“They are a very good side and have very good players but, for the first twenty-five minutes in the home leg, we took the game to them and we were really good.

“We just weren’t clinical enough and, in the second half, we put them under pressure, but they defended well.”

“We feel we can create chances. It is going to be difficult because we are 2-0l down, but we have a game plan to go out and see if we can get the first goal.

“If we can do that, it is game on, but that is easier said than done!”

City will only have two noted absentees in their preparations with Colm Horgan once again sidelined with a leg injury, while Alan Bennett will also miss out.

 

Referee: Mads-Kristoffer Kristoffersen (Denmark).

 

Match Stats:

Tonight will be Cork City’s first visit to Norway in their European history.

In 2018/19 in Europe the Troll Children have only conceded one goal in their European campaign, featuring in a 3-1 win over Valur in the Champion League.

Cork City have only won two away legs in their European experiences under John Caulfield, a 1-0 win against Linfield and a 2-0 victory against Levida Tallinn.

 

BETTING

Rosenborg 3/1; Draw 7/2, Cork City 8/1.

PREDICTION

Rosenborg 0 – 2 Cork City.

 

Rosenborg

Injured: Samuel Adebgenro.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Cork City

Injured: Colm Horgan, Alan Bennett.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.