League Preview: Cork City -v- Bohemians

CORK CITY

Managerless Cork face the first of two consecutive home games when they welcome Bohemians to Turner's Cross on Monday at 5pm.

Liam Kearney, Richie Holland and Liam Buckley are yet again tasked with selecting the side as the search for a permanent manager continues.  

Although they currently lie in the relegation play-off position, they have gained ground on the sides above them. Friday’s win in Drogheda was their third win in succession for the first time since 2018.

Richie Holland urged his side to not get ahead just yet: “I won’t getting too excited just yet as we’re only at the halfway stage and we need to get out of this position.

“There will still be ups and downs towards the end of the season, but we’ve put ourselves in the position where we’re closer to teams and that’s the main thing.”

He also praised Tunde Owolabi who netted the winner. “He has that electric pace. When he gets in those positions like that, he has the composure to finish.”

Darragh Crowley joins Jonas Hakkinen on the injury list after he hobbled off in the early stages at Weavers Park.

BOHEMIANS

Bohs travel south hoping to join the leaders at the top when they take on Cork City.

Friday’s win against Sligo ended a frustrating run of four games without a win.

They find themselves three points behind Shamrock Rovers with a game in hand despite recent form and will be confident of using it to their advantage.

Declan Devine warned his team to not take City lightly: “Cork have certainly stepped up a few gears over the last couple of weeks.

“They gave us a tough game down there, and when we played them in Dalymount, there was nothing in it until the sending off.

“If you go to Cork with anything other than a mindset of knowing it will be difficult to win at Turners Cross, you will be in for a long night.”

James McManus returns from suspension, but Dean Williams and Dylan Connolly remain side-lined.

Referee: Robert Harvey.

MATCH STATS

Bohemians have held the upper hand in the games involving both sides this season, including the opening day win down at the Cross back in February.

Grant Horton and Jordan Flores scored to spoil the party for the newly promoted side.

They held on to win despite a late response from Ruairi Keating. In May up in Dalymount, a red card for Ally Gilchrist proved to be the breaking point for the strugglers.

The then league leaders went on to score five unanswered goals through Flores, Adam McDonnell, James McManus and an Ali Coote double. It was to be the last game for Colin Healy in charge.

BETTING

Cork City 14/5, Draw 23/10, Bohemians 19/10

PREDICTION

Cork City 1-1 Bohemians

Cork City

Injured: Tobi Oluwayemi, Darragh Crowley, Jonas Hakkinen

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Dean Williams, Dylan Connolly

Doubtful: Jonathon Afolabi.

Suspended: None.