Cork City v St Patrick's Athletic - where can I watch it and what do I need to know?
Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)
This week’s televised game sees Cork City welcome St Patrick’s Athletic to Turner’s Cross as the final round of fixtures kicks off in earnest.
City have slipped, somewhat unnoticed, back into the fringes of the relegation battle as they’ve failed to pick up a league win since May 20th, when the edged out UCD 1-0.
Despite drawing five of their past six matches, John Cotter’s side are just seven points clear of Finn Harps, who’ve picked up ten points in the same time, in the relegation play-off spot.
That seven-point buffer may well be enough with just nine games to go, but Cotter will be eager to get points on the board quickly against a side they’ve twice conceded late equalisers to.
The Saints, meanwhile, have seen their assault on the top four falter in recent weeks with three defeats in five bookending Europa League elimination at the hands of Norrkoping.
Barring winning a second FAI Cup in 60 years, the Saints will need to put pressure on Bohemians and Derry if they are to return to Europe next season.
A second win of the season over a Cork City side wracked with uncertainty and squad turnover would be just the tonic for Harry Kenny’s outfit.
What time is the match?
Kick-off is 8pm.
Where is the match?
Turner’s Cross, Cork City.
Who is the referee?
Dublin’s Ben Connolly is the man in the middle.
Are there tickets available?
Tickets can be bought at the stadium or via the Cork City website.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be shown live in the Republic of Ireland on Eir Sport 1 with coverage beginning at 7.55pm.
Can I stream it online?
Eir broadband, landline and TV customers can avail of Eir Sport’s online streaming service here.
Who are they key players to watch?
The key man to watch for Cork City is Daire O’Connor who, alone among the City attackers, is capable of the sort of trickery that can unlock any defence in the league.
City’s tally of 20 goals is the second-lowest in the division, just one ahead of bottom-placed UCD, and the former Student could be the man to unpick a usually solid Saints rearguard.
The Saints have been reliant on Mikey Drennan for six of their 21 goals this season but he’s set to miss multiple games following his red card against Bohemians two weeks ago.
Much of the Saints’ goal threat this season has come from set-pieces and, if they can find the right delivery, Kevin Toner is a man who can find the net when it matters.
Team news:
The two Cians, Bargary and Murphy, miss out for the Rebel Army while Conor Clifford is a doubt for Pats, while the latter’s new signing Ronan Hale may not receive clearance in time.
Read the full match preview here.
Betting:
Cork City 13/10; Draw 15/8; St Patrick’s Athletic 21/10.
Full list of SSE Airtricity League fixtures (all 7.45pm kick-off unless stated):
Cork City -v- St Patrick’s Athletic (8pm)
UCD -v- Derry City
Finn Harps -v- Bohemians (8pm)
Athlone Town -v- Longford Town
Galway United -v- Drogheda United
Wexford -v- Bray Wanderers
Cabinteely -v- Limerick
