Showdown at Turner's Cross for Cork and Derry

Cork City face Derry City at Turner’s Cross in what is a crucial game for both sides, kick-off 7.45pm.

The Rebel Army will be looking to go into the mid-season break on a high following Tuesday’s disappointing defeat to Shamrock Rovers in Dublin, while Derry will be looking to gain ground on the front runners.

The Candystripes can overtake City if they win at Turner’s Cross, and will no doubt be looking to do just that having suffered a 4-1 defeat at home to Cork City earlier in the season.

Apart from long-term absentee Colm Carroll (cruciate knee ligament), manager Damien Richardson has no injuries to report following training on Thursday.

The "FIFA Two" of Gareth Farrelly and Colin Healy are still awaiting a verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but other than that, Richardson has a full strength squad to choose from, and he has confirmed that he is contemplating making a number of changes following the disappointing display in Tolka Park on Tuesday night.

"I don’t believe in change for change’s sake, but on the back of Tuesday’s disappointing defeat, and with the mid-season break coming up, I believe it might be worthwhile shaking things up a bit," said Richardson.

"Consequently a few changes may be the order of the day.

"Games between Cork City and Derry City are always games of great quality, especially at Turner's Cross. This game will undoubtedly follow in that pattern."

Derry are set to put out a depleted team with Killian Brennan, Darren Kelly, Ken Oman and Kevin McHugh all doubtful for the Turner's Cross clash.

All four will undergo a late fitness test with boss Peter Hutton in line to start in the heart of defence.

The Candystripes are still missing Kevin Deery, Alan Moore, Sean Hargan and Pat McCourt who are all out injured.