League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Cork City

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Rovers tails will be up this week as they come off the back of an opening day win in the Dublin Derby, beating Bohemians 1-0 last Saturday in Dalymount Park.

The tide seems to have turned somewhat in Shamrock Rovers favour in the Dublin Derby with Saturday being their third win in a row in what is normally a tricky fixture for the Tallaght club.

Stephen Bradley’s men will be laser focused on another title challenge this year and beginning 2020 with a win over their fierce rivals is a perfect way for them to kick start their season.

Cork City make the trip to Tallaght Stadium tonight (kick-off 8pm) and Rovers will be looking to continue their recent dominance over the Rebels having beaten the side 3 times and drawn once last season.

Bradley has warned his team of complacency ahead of the fixture. 

“It’s very much a new team but I went down to watch them against Shelbourne and even though they lost the game, at times they showed real quality,” Bradley said of Cork to the club’s media team.

“They showed they were dangerous so we’ve got to respect that and be ready for that.”

In terms of injuries Joey O’Brien is the only doubt with the defender having dislocated his shoulder during the Dublin Derby.

CORK CITY

City were on the end of a defeat in their season opener with Ciaran Kilduff scoring in the last few minutes for newly promoted Shelbourne to give the Reds the three points.

The Rebels are not the force they once were over the last few season, this is reflected by their struggles against the Hoops last season.

Neale Fenn’s side are expected to struggle this season and the manager has already assessed the tough encounter that lies ahead for City.

“Obviously, Shamrock Rovers are a different proposition (to Shelbourne). We have to be better on the ball, don’t panic, don’t rush, keep the ball,” Fenn said, speaking to the club’s website.

“We need to play our way into the game and try to dominate the possession a bit more, rather than letting them dominate us. We kept it well at the back, but we were a bit tentative going forward, which is understandable.

“Whatever game we play will be tough, so we just have to get on with it. I think, if we can be a bit more positive on the ball and a bit braver, then we can hurt Rovers.

“That is something we want to do, something we believe in as a squad. We did ok, but we have a lot to work on, and everyone in the squad is fighting for a starting position.

“There is no pessimism here, there is a lot of optimism and we feel we can go there and get a result.”

Conor Davis and Cian Bargary are injured and will not feature in tonight’s game.

Referee: Sean Grant

MATCH STATS

Cork City have played 11 games since Fenn took over last August. The Rebels have won only 2 of those games.

Rovers beat the Rebels 3 times last season.

The last time the sides met in Tallaght, Rovers beat Cork 3-0.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 1/6; Draw 4/1; Cork City 14/1.

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 2 - 0 Cork City

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Joey O’Brien.

Suspended: None.

Cork City

Injured: Cian Bargary and Conor Davis.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.