Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the League of Ireland Premier Division match.
A crucial fixture in the battle to avoid relegation, even with an eight-point gap between the sides. It’s not a derby, but it might as well be — the stakes are that high. Cork City sit rock bottom, and this is one of their few realistic chances to claw their way back into the fight for Premier Division survival.
Cork City
Home form is just about the only thing keeping Cork City afloat — nearly 90% of their points have come at Turners Cross, modest as that tally may be. They’ve only lost three of their 12 home games this season, and those defeats came against top sides: second-placed Bohemians, third-placed Derry City, and fifth-placed St. Patrick’s. Seven of the remaining matches ended in draws. Cork City are also far more organised at home defensively, conceding just 15 goals compared to 28 on the road.
Sligo Rovers
Away from home, Sligo Rovers haven’t fared much better. They rank second-to-last in the league’s away table, with just two wins and eight of their total 23 points coming on the road. While they’ve had the odd bright moment at home — like holding Shamrock Rovers to a 2:2 draw and beating Bohemians 2:0 — their away performances have been meek. Their last away win came in the FAI Cup, against First Division side Dundalk (2:0).
Cork City vs Sligo Rovers Prediction
Cork City may not be odds-on favourites to win, but they’re very unlikely to lose this one. Their two previous meetings this season both ended 1:1, and with that in mind, a zero handicap on the home side looks the safest value.
