3 KEY FINAL BATTLES

MC BATTLE

The Destroyer v The Creator. The work horse and the stallion. Put it whatever way you like, but whoever wins the battle of wills between Cork City’s Conor McCormack and Dundalk’s Patrick McEleney will prove decisive. The latter has scored a litany of Goal of the Season contenders in a No10 role this year and has the creative touch required to slice the Cork defence open. On the tight surrounds of Turner’s Cross last month McCormack wore him down into submission by denying space. If he can do the same on the open plains of the Aviva Stadium then Dundalk might just be neutralised.

SEARCH FOR CONTROL

Amid the blood and thunder of these intense encounters, serenity seems an elusive virtue. Both sides are mirror images of each other in terms of formation, yet its implementation differs greatly. Cork’s energy, aggression and strength has been blunted by the loss of striker Seán Maguire, who provided a sharp, clinical edge in attack. Their midfield triumvirate of Conor McCormack, Garry Buckley and Gearóid Morrissey must not allow opposite numbers Stephen O’Donnell, Robbie Benson and Patrick McEleney to run the show. In contrast, it is not just a case of Cork needing to stop Dundalk, the Lilywhites must also ensure they are not overpowered and, as has been the case in recent times, unable to impost themselves.

ON THE FRONTLINE

There can be no getting away from the fact that Cork’s

attacking threat has diminished greatly following the loss of Seán Maguire — he scored 20 goals before leaving in late July — while Dundalk frontman David McMillan has found the net in every round of the competition so far. Karl Sheppard has attempted to fill the void at Turner’s Cross but it has proved a thankless task. It looks as if he is set to join the Lilywhites after the Cup final, McMillan is on St Johnstone’s radar, and the current Dundalk striker is currently best equipped to lead the line in what will be a thankless task for both in the lone role up top.