Cork and Donegal meet in Division One of the Allianz National Football League in Pairc Ui Rinn, this Saturday evening at 5pm. With both sides still well off the pace after a slow start to the season, a win would be a welcome boost here.
The Rebels are the defending champions and have won the league for the past three seasons. However,following subsequent disappointing performances in the championship, management may now have one eye on the bigger prize. Donegal are the All Ireland champions, and the league was never going to be a priority this season.
Form
Both teams come into this game on the back of an impressive performance last weekend. Cork ended the unbeaten record of Tyrone, and the fact that they had to travel to Healy Park in Omagh makes the victory even more worthy. Donegal all but ended Kerry’s hopes of survival in the top flight, when they ran out easy winners in Ballybofey last Sunday. Following earlier losses, both tonight’s opponents are still fighting for their future in Division One, and for the winners, safety should be assured.
Team News
Cork make one change with Donncha O’Connor replacing the injured Ciaran Sheehan, the Donegal name has yet to be confirmed.
Players To Watch
Michael Murphy is the Donegal star, and he contributed 1-5 against Kerry last weekend. He will need to be watched very closely by the Cork defence on Saturday evening if the home side are to emerge with the points. Cork, meanwhile, will look to Colm O’Neill to score the bulk of their points. He has been in excellent form from placed balls and will punish any indiscipline from their opponents.
Betting Advice:
Cork are 5/6 with Boylesports.com to win the match and should do so. Donegal clearly have one eye on the championship, and the league was never going to be a priority. Now that they appear to be relatively safe, they will surely experiment and try out some new players.
