League Preview: Cork City -v- Derry City

CORK CITY

After six weeks, the Leesiders return to league action at Turner's Cross with the visit of Derry City (kick off 7.45pm). 

City come into tonight’s fixture looking for their first win since May 10th, when the Rebel Army overturned UCD 2-0 at the home.

Since then, City have endured a mixed run on the road having lost to Shamrock Rovers, before a successive draws against St. Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers which sees them sit seventh at the mid-season break. 

“It would be great to get another win in Turner's Cross in front of the supporters to kick start the second half of the season.” said City interim boss John Cotter. “It won’t be handed to us either. 

“Derry are having a great season themselves. They got a bit of momentum at the start, and they’ve carried it on. We’re under no illusions that we have to be at our best to go out and earn the three points.”

In team news, City will be without Pierce Phillips and Shane Griffin, while Conor McCormack and Karl Sheppard will be assessed ahead of kick off. 

DERRY CITY

Fresh from the break, Derry will be looking to further their European credentials as they travel to Turner’s Cross.

Sitting in fourth spot, and on the back of draws against Shamrock Rovers and a derby day rout over Finn Harps, tonight the Candystripes are level with St. Pat’s with two games in hand and are looking to go ten points clear of Cork City with a game in hand over the Leesiders



Even with such a psychological edge, Derry manager Declan Devine was being conservative in the build up to Friday evening’s tie. 

“I've said numerous times that Cork is probably the most difficult ground in the country to win at despite their start to the season, and this will be a really tough game for us," said Devine.

Derry will be furthered boosted by no new injuries in the squad following the mid season break although Darren Cole has been confirmed out, whilelong term absentees Michael McCrudden and Patrick McClean also sidelined. 

Referee: Rob Hennessy

MATCH STATS

The long journey south is one which has plagued the Candytripes in recent years. Derry have not won in the league in Cork since March 2013, when an injury time penalty from Rory Patterson helped them to a 1-0 win. Since then they have only had one win in Cork, a 2-1 win in the EA Sports Cup second round in 2016.



Derry City have only three away losses all season against a Cork City side who only have two home wins lol season. The visitors also average 1.5 goals per game in 2019, compared to Cork City who have an average of 0.85 goals per game record. 

BETTING 

Cork City 17/21; Draw 21/10; Derry 17/10.

PREDICTION

Cork City 0-2 Derry City 

Cork City 

Injured: Pierce Philips, Shane Griffin. 

Doubtful: Conor McCormack, Karl Sheppard. 

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: Darren Cole, Patrick McClean, Michael McCrudden. 

Doubtful: None. 

Suspended: None. 

    About Dylan O'Connell

    Dylan is a freelance journalist based in Cork. He joined Extratime in 2016 and he covers games all across Ireland. His bylines include The Echo, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, The 42, RTÉ Sport, and Irish … View Full Profile