Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker:
Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Irish Premier Division table, Derry will welcome Cork to the Brandywell Stadium on Friday night.
Derry City
Starting with the hosts, while Derry might have come flying out of the traps when opening the 2023 campaign, the Candystripes mark their return from the international break seeking a boost. Last seen on June 9th when having to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Bohemians, Ruaidhri Higgins’ side are now without a win from any of their last four Premier Division appearances. With their recent rut highlighted by a shock 4-1 drumming away at St. Patrick’s earlier in the month, fans around the Brandywell Stadium will have a growing headache over their side’s extended issues in the final third. In fact, that consolation strike against the Saints on June 5th is remarkably the only Premier Division goal that Friday’s hosts have bagged in in over 370 minutes of action. Handed what they will be billing as a golden chance when they return to top-flight duties here, Derry will be desperate to avoid a potential banana skin on home soil.
Team News
Despite picking up a pair of knocks earlier in the month, Derry remain hopeful that the duo of Ciaron Harkin and Colm Whelan will be able to make a full return on Friday night. Not making a single top-flight start since back on June 2nd, ex-Crusaders forward Jamie McGonigle could be handed a full recall at the Brandywell Stadium.
Although 20-year-old Cian Kavanagh might have notched just a single strike in his last nine appearances against Premier Division opposition, the former Waterford starlet should spearhead Higgins’ attack here.
Cork City
As for the visitors, although Cork might have watched their extended flurry come to an abrupt end prior to the international break, the mood in Liam Buckley’s camp should be at a continued high. Despite being last seen eventually getting hit with a 2-1 loss at home against Dundalk, the Rebel Army have still taken 12 points from their last five Premier Division appearances. Simply looking to avoid the drop after only making their top-flight return this season, Cork will be desperate to spring a major upset here. However, opening this weekend’s fixtures sat two points adrift in the relegation play-off spot, Buckley’s side will be worried by a nightmare record against Friday’s hosts. Including a 3-1 loss when they welcomed Derry to Turners Cross on April 21st, the Greens have failed to muster a single win from any of their last nine straight meetings a run that stems back to October 2018.
Team News
Both missing out against Dundalk prior to the international break, Cork are hopeful that they duo of Darragh Crowley and Albin Winbo will make a full return on Friday night. Despite drawing a blank in 11 of his previous 13 Premier Division appearances, Ruairi Keating will once again spearhead Buckley’s side this weekend.
Although Daniel Krezic might have continued to impress off the bench this season, the 27-year-old will likely be forced to settle for another spot among Buckley’s substitutes here.
Key Factors to Consider
