Team-news: Damien Richardson is confident his Cork City side can bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Sligo Rovers ahead of tomorrow's key encounter at home to Bohemians.
Cork sit fourth in the table but squandered the chance to move third and just four points off leaders St Patrick's Athletic when losing 4-1 at the Showgrounds last weekend.
"I don't need to instil in any of my players the importance of this game," Richardson said today.
"My players are experienced and professional enough to understand the necessity of bouncing back from the performance and result in Sligo.
"I have complete confidence and faith in all of my players, and I back every single one of them to the hilt. They know that a good performance and positive result is required against Bohemians."
The visitors have made steady progress of late and will arrive at Turners Cross on the back of a 5-0 thumping of struggling Longford Town.
Despite a succession of clean sheets Bohemians were struggling to find the net. Those five goals on Friday doubled their goal tally after 10 league games.
Manager Seán Connor lashed out at his critics during the week and believes a ninth clean sheet of the season in Cork will set his side up for victory.
"It is not often Cork suffer the kind of setback they experienced against Sligo and coming off that result they will be at their most dangerous because pride kicks in.
"In many ways this might be the worst week to play Cork especially away from home but that's the way the fixtures fall and it will make for an exciting and possibly tense game as we both seek to consolidate behind the leaders."
Cork are without Seán Kelly (fractured cheekbone) and Colm Carroll (knee) while Gareth Farrelly and Colin Healy are still awaiting a verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Des Byrne, Mark Rossiter and Fergal Harkin all return for the Dublin side but Harpal Singh (shoulder) and Dean Pooley (ankle) remain sidelined.
Tadgh Purcell (groin) is rated 50-50 by manager Pat Scully ahead of Shamrock Rovers' game with Waterford United. Fellow striker Ger Rowe has a rib injury but should start while Danny O'Connor returns from suspension.
Derek Pender (knee) and Tommy Barrett (whiplash) join long-term injury victims Paul Shiels and Eric McGill on the sidelines.
"It thought we were brilliant against Derry on Monday," said Scully whose side lost 1-0 at the Brandywell. "I'm not one to accept defeat but couldn't fault the team's performance. We did absolutely everything but score.
"At the start of the season we weren't playing that well but got a few wins - recently we've been putting on performances without getting the results. While the results have been disappointing the important thing is that we're showing what we're capable of. Once we keep playing this well the results will follow."
Waterford are unbeaten in three league games so travel with confidence although Stephen Cooling (ankle) won't play. Robert Brosnan (ankle) and Vinny Sullivan (thigh) are doubtful.
Owing to the postponement of their game with Drogheda last week, Bray Wanderers will be a fortnight without action by the time they host Sligo Rovers at the Carlisle Grounds.
Manager Eddie Gormley is definitely without Paul Caffrey (calf). Mark Duggan (back), Colm Tresson (hamstring), Stephen Gough (groin), Paul Dunphy (foot) are all doubtful.
Sligo boss Paul Cook, buoyed by the win over Cork, must plan without Jason Mc Cartney, Conor O'Grady, Brian Cash and Gary Curran.
Galway United host a UCD side that has repeatedly troubled opponents this season, a fact not lost on manager Tony Cousins.
"I have seen UCD twice this season and have had them watched on two other occasions," said the Galway manager. "They are a very dangerous side and they are capable of beating the top sides in the league."
Galway are injury-free although Regi Nooitmeer is suspended. UCD's Ronan Finn (knee) will miss the game.
Friday's Fixtures
Eircom League of Ireland Premier Division
Bray Wanderers v Sligo Rovers
Carlisle Grounds, 7.45
Cork Ciy v Bohemians
Turner's Cross, 7.45
Galway United v UCD
Terryland Park, 7.45
Shamrock Rovers v Waterford United
Tolka Park, 8.00
Eircom League of Ireland First Division
Monaghan United v Kildare County
Kingspan Century Park, 8.00
