Leaders Dundalk face tough trip to Pat’s while Cork City entertain Hoops

Four of the top five go head to head in the SSE Airtricity League tonight with leaders Dundalk away to fifth-placed St Patrick’s Athletic and second taking on third as Cork City host Shamrock Rovers at Turner’s Cross.

“Obviously we are expecting a huge crowd,” says Cork boss John Caulfield in anticipation of the visit of the Hoops who, along with Dundalk, have still to lose a game in the league this season. “It’s two teams near the top of the table, both with an eye on winning it and certainly keeping the pressure on Dundalk, so it is a huge game.”

Alan Bennett, back in training after his hamstring injury, is in with a chance of playing but will have to be assessed closer to kick-off. However, Danny Morrissey, stretchered off in Tuesday’s EA Sports Cup game against St Pat’s, is ruled out, though there is hope that his injury is not as bad as originally feared. Kieran Djilali and John Dunleavy — both with knee injuries — are also sidelined.