Cork City v Dundalk
Football: Republic of Ireland Premier League
Friday 19th June 2009 - Kickoff 19:45

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CORK CITY (Home Rec : W5 D1 L2)

It's hard to believe that Cork have not won in 5 games. They were knocked out of the FAI cup in midweek at Sligo in the replay 2-1 AET after they had drawn 2-2 last weekend. Before that City had not won in 3 league games, losing 2 and drawing 1. Before that they were on a terrific run of 9 wins out of 10, drawing the other. They are also the only side who have beaten leaders and Champions Bohs at Dalymount Park.

Its hard to see this blip in City's form continuing. They currently sit in third place in the league, only 2 points behind leaders Bohs. In midfielder Colin Healy, they have a player on top of his game. The former Celtic and Sunderland star received the award for the player of the month for May during the week and not many fans of the league could argue with that.

The biggest worry for Boss Paul Doolin will be the lack of goals at their Turners Cross home. They have managed only 6 in their 8 home games, however they have only conceded 3. Of their 5 home wins, 4 of them were by a 1-0 scoreline.

Cork's top scorer is Denis Beahan on 4 goals which for a title chasing side is pretty low after 16 games into the season. Its also worth noting that City have kept clean sheets in 6 of their last 8 games and along with Bohs have the meanest defence in the league.

CORK'S LAST 5 LEAGUE GAMES
Cork 1-0 Derry
Bray 0-2 Cork
Cork 0-1 Bohs
Drogheda 2-1 Cork
Cork 0-0 Shamrock Rovers

DUNDALK (Away Rec : W2 D2 L4)

Promoted side Dundalk currently sit third from bottom in the league and are fighting to avoid relegation in their first season back in the top flight. Boss Sean Connor who is never one to hide away from controversy has had his fair share of problems to deal with this season.

He sacked experienced defender Dave Rodgers a few weeks back for a gesture to St Patricks Athletic fans in a recent game, while former Cork City star George O Callaghan was released in recent weeks as his move failed to work out. With pressure mounting on Connor these incidents have not made life any easier for his Dundalk side.

However they have managed a couple of impressive results including a 1-0 win at Derry City and in their last league game they ended a run of 3 defeats in a row with a convincing 3-0 victory over fellow strugglers Bray Wanderers. But an away trip at Cork City is another story and Dundalk will have to be at their very best to have any chance of getting a result here.

DUNDALK'S LAST 5 LEAGUE GAMES
Drogheda 1-1 Dundalk
Dundalk 0-1 St Patricks
Dundalk 0-2 Sligo
Shamrock Rovers 3-1 Dundalk
Dundalk 3-0 Bray

THE BETTING VERDICT

Although Cork City's form has swayed a bit in recent weeks I cant see anything but a home win. Cork are an excellent side and despite their financial troubles they have had a fine season.

The Pick :

Cork 1-0 Dundalk (or 2-0)

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Cork to win at 8/15

and also consider Cork to keep a clean sheet at 8/11.