Sligo Rovers vs Cork City Preview
Sligo Rovers and Cork City will meet at The Showgrounds on April 26th at 7:45 pm in a huge clash at the bottom of the Irish Premier Division. Rovers can potentially leapfrog Cork with a victory, while City can move four points clear of the drop with a win on the road.
The last meeting between these sides was full of controversy as Cork were left aggrieved with refereeing decisions. They secured a point, but it is unlikely the players or fans will have forgotten. Can they get revenge in the reverse fixture, or will Sligo Rovers remain unbeaten against the Rebel Army in 2025?
Sligo Rovers vs Cork City Predictions
Correct score prediction: Sligo Rovers 2-1 Cork City
Our best soccer predictions include Sligo Rovers winning on Saturday night by a one-goal margin. Both sides come to this game in identical form, with one win in five. A loss could send Cork down to the bottom of the table. Their away form does not bode well as the Rebel Army have one away win in the league since September 2024. They only managed a point at home against 10-man Rovers in March, and Sligo can get revenge with their disciplinary issues behind them.
Rovers had defensive issues, but have not struggled in front of the goal. No team in the league has scored more goals than them this season. Cork have been less fortunate, scoring just 12 this term. Only Waterford have netted fewer. A ruptured Achilles tendon has sidelined star striker Ruairi Keating for the season, and Sean Maguire continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Their depleted attacking reserves are struggling to put up numbers. If the hosts can clear up at the back, they can comfortably outscore City. Teenager Owen Elding is having a breakout season in Connacht, scoring five goals in the league so far. The youngster will be key for Sligo in this relegation scrap and could make it on our list of the best Irish soccer players if he continues to rise.
Rising Star 🌟
Another goal for Owen Elding in what’s shaping up to be a breakout season for the youngster 👏#Bitored | #Since1928 pic.twitter.com/zYn06dK8Ie
— Sligo Rovers (@sligorovers) April 8, 2025
Cork’s lack of a serious goalscoring threat will hamper them in this game. Sligo are poor in defence, but City don’t have the personnel to make them pay for it. We have seen 16 goals in Sligo’s previous four games. If this turns into a shootout, Rovers will have the cutting edge in attack and outscore their opponents.
However, the host’s leaky defence cannot be downplayed. They have conceded 24 so far, more than any side in the division. Furthermore, their season has been marred by poor discipline. They had a three-game run in March where they received red cards in consecutive games. That includes the 1-1 draw with Cork. Rovers must keep their cool heads and maintain their defensive shape to allow their players to shine at the other end of the pitch.
Because of that, Sligo Rovers will probably adopt a cautious approach, focusing on solidifying their defence and looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. With John Mahon anchoring the defence, the team will aim to frustrate Cork City’s attacking plays and capitalise on set-pieces and quick transitions.
Considering the current form and tactical approaches of both teams, we think Sligo Rovers are poised to secure a narrow victory. If they can prioritise defensive structure, their talented attacking players will back them up at the other end.
Players To Watch
- John Mahon (Sligo Rovers, Defence): John Mahon’s leadership and defensive capabilities will be vital in organising the backline in this game. Rovers must work on their leaky defence, and Mahon will be the key to doing that here. If he can marshal the defence and keep them compact, they can see an important victory in Connacht.
THE SCENES🤩
Kitt Nelson wins it at the death for Cork City. pic.twitter.com/VPZ0DdGI6h
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) April 21, 2025
- Kitt Nelson (Cork City, Striker): Loanee Kitt Nelson has been deployed as a right back, along with his favoured attacking midfield position, this season. However, the 20-year-old has stepped in recently to replace the injured duo of Keating and Maguire with positive results. He scored a 96th-minute wondergoal to beat Waterford last week and will come in buoyed by that. Nelson scored in the reverse fixture and will relish the opportunity to carry the attacking burden on his shoulders in this game.
Sligo Rovers vs Cork City Betting Tips
- Full-Time Result – Sligo Rovers to win: A bet on Sligo Rovers is worth 11/10. They enter as favourites in this relegation clash, and Cork’s depleted attacking reserves give them the edge. Rovers can leapfrog Cork out of the relegation spots with a win, and we are backing the home team to earn a priceless three points on Saturday night. A bet on Cork is worth 9/4 if you think they can cause an upset in Connacht.
- Over/Under – Over 2.5 goals: Sligo have been excellent in front of goal but leaky at the back this season. We have seen 16 goals across their previous four games and over 2,5 in all of their last five. This bet was a winner in three of Cork’s previous five games. Bet on over 2.5 goals in this game, worth 20/21 with our online betting site.
- Handicap – Draw (Cork City +1): We expect a narrow victory for Rovers here, with Cork also capable of winning. This will probably be a nervy game between two sides trying to avoid relegation. In tight games, handicap betting can be the way to go as it offers you some cover. We like Handicap Draw bet on Cork, worth 11/4 for anyone betting on the Irish Premier Division.
- A Red Card in the game: Both sides have been involved in some feisty clashes this season, including their last meeting, which saw six yellow cards and a red. Four of Sligo’s 11 league games this season have seen red cards. Our sportsbook will offer attractive odds on another red in this game.
Sligo Rovers vs Cork City Head-To-Head and Key Stats
These sides last met at the beginning of March at Turners Cross. It was a heated game that saw seven cards handed out, including a red, ending in a controversial 1-1 draw in Cork. Sligo took the lead in the first half through Owen Elding’s well-placed header, while Cork City missed a series of chances. They had a goal disallowed and saw multiple appeals for handball and fouls in the box waved away by the referee.
Despite dominating large spells of the game and facing 10 men after Sligo’s Conor Reynolds saw red for a reckless tackle, City had to wait until the second half for an equaliser. Kitt Nelson coolly slotted home after a scramble in the area to earn the Leesiders a deserved point. City felt hard done by after numerous controversial refereeing decisions went against them. Ultimately, the sides shared the spoils.
Cork last played on April 21st in a thrilling Munster Derby against Waterford. The Rebel Army snatched a dramatic 2-1 comeback win at The Cross thanks to two late goals, including a 96th-minute winner from substitute Kitt Nelson. Waterford had taken the lead early in the second half through Thomas Lonergan’s scruffy finish. With time running out, Evan McLaughlin coolly converted an 89th-minute penalty to level. Nelson then pounced deep into stoppage time to seal a vital three points.
City had earlier missed chances, most notably through Cathal O’Sullivan, who was denied twice in the first half. New Dutch striker Djenairo Daniels made his debut, while Greg Bolger returned to the starting XI. Despite a lacklustre opening 45 minutes, Tim Clancy’s side showed resilience to overturn the deficit and claim a hugely important Munster derby victory.
Sligo Rovers played on April 22nd when they travelled to face Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. Derry cruised to a dominant 3-0 win as Rovers failed to gain any sort of attacking rhythm. Danny Mullen opened the scoring in the 14th minute, pouncing on a loose ball after Gavin Whyte’s shot was blocked. Whyte doubled the lead with a superb solo run from inside his half. He beat multiple defenders before slotting past Sam Sargeant to make it 2-0 at the break.
Just minutes into the second half, Mullen grabbed his second with a front-post header to put the game out of reach for Sligo. Substitute Liam Boyce threatened to extend the lead further, but Derry comfortably saw out the match. The loss kept John Russell’s side rooted to the bottom of the table heading into this vital clash with Cork.
Sligo Rovers Key Stats
- 10th in the Irish Premier Division (Three points from safety)
- 16 goals scored in the league (Joint-1st most)
- 24 goals conceded in the league (Most in the division)
- Owen Elding is the joint top scorer in the Irish Premier Division with five goals
- Sligo Rovers have the worst discipline in the league, with 42 yellows and three reds
Cork City Key Stats
- 8th in the Irish Premier Division (One point from relegation play-off spot)
- 12 goals scored in the league (Lowest in division)
- 18 goals conceded in the league (3rd most in the division)
- One away win in the LOI this season
- Have not beaten Sligo Rovers away from home since 2021
