FAI Cup Preview: Wexford -v- Bohemians

WEXFORD

Wexford go in search of their first win in six games when they welcome Bohemians to Ferrycarrig Park in the FAI Cup on Friday night (kick-off 8pm).

Their five-game winless streak includes four in the league and one in the Leinster Senior Cup quarter final against St. Patricks Athletic, a game in which they were beaten 5-0.

Wexford were knocked out of the FAI Cup at the first time of asking in last year’s tournament when Leinster Senior League side Crumlin United won 2-1 at Ferrycarrig Park.

A cup weekend allows teams a brief release from league action with Wexford currently lingering in ninth position in the First Division with just 13 points from 23 games to date.

With just four league games remaining for the season Wexford will be hoping to turn around their form as they look to end the season on a high.

A victory against Premier Division side Bohemians would be a perfect start.

Dean Kelly is a doubt coming into the game with a foot injury while John Morgan misses out through suspension, having picked up his fifth yellow card last week.

Aaron Dobbs comes back into contention having returned to full training last week.

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians come into the game with quite a patchy form book over the last few weeks.

In their last ten games across all competitions they have picked up just three wins losing heavily at home to Sligo Rovers.

By contrast, they have put ten goals past Limerick and Bray in their last two league games in Dalymount Park.

They travel to Wexford this evening sitting seventh place in the league with 31 points from 28 games so far and a goal difference of -3 to date.

Keith Long’s side have had a tough time in terms of F.A.I Cup draws in recent seasons. Their four games in the last three years have all been against Premier Division opposition.

They travel to Ferrycarrig Park as strong favourites but, after Cobh’s giant killing against Dundalk in mid-week, Long is taking nothing for granted.

“We can’t go looking ahead dreaming of a cup run without overcoming Wexford first,” Long told the club's official website.

“You only have to look at Cobh beating Dundalk on Monday to know the dangers of cup football.

“You have to give the opposition the respect they deserve and prepare correctly. We’ll be going down having prepared for this game professionally as we would any other.”

Rob Cornwall is set to miss out with a hamstring injury with Ian Morris a doubt as well. Long term absentee Ryan Swan remains out with a cruciate injury.

Referee: Graham Kelly

MATCH FACTS

Bohs last won the F.A.I Cup in 2008 beating Derry City at the RDS in the final.

Bohs have played four F.A.I Cup games in the last three years and in all of them they were drawn against Premier League opposition.

Wexford managed to finish with a total points tally of 19 points at the end of last season and with just four league games remaining in this year’s season they need a total of seven more to better last year’s total.

BETTING

Wexford 8/1; Draw 9/2; Bohs 2/9

PREDICTION

Wexford 1 – 4 Bohemians

Wexford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Sean Kelly.

Suspended: John Morgan.

Bohemians

Injured: Ryan Swan (cruciate), Rob Cornwall (hamstring).

Doubtful: Ian Morris.

Suspended: None.