Derry City -v- Bluebell United

DERRY CITY

Derry City will be looking to improve on their poor run of home form as they continue their defence of the FAI Cup against Leinster Senior League team Bluebell Utd at the Brandywell on Friday night.(ko 7.45 pm)

The Candystripes were drawn as the away team, but Bluebell have opted to forego home advantage and the tie will go ahead in Derry.

Derry City will be heavy favourites to progress against the non league outfit but will have concerns having lost their last five fixtures at the Brandywell. The supporters certainly made their feelings known after last weeks loss to Drogheda and Declan Devine will see this as the perfect fixture to arrest the recent slump in form of his side.

The manager said, "We are absolutely determined to win the cup once again this year. It's something we really want to achieve and even though we have been drawn in a home tie against non league opposition, it's certainly a tie we will not be taking lightly. We don't want to give the cup up and it will be a massive game for Bluebell coming up to the Brandywell. They have a squad full of ex League of Ireland players but if we can show the hunger and desire we have this season we are more than capable of winning the game."

Derry City will be without captain Kevin Deery whose knee injury may rule him out for the rest of the season whilst Stewart Greacen is doubtful also with a knee concern.

BLUEBELL UTD

Bluebell Utd come to the Brandywell with nothing to lose and everything to gain as they play possibly the biggest game in their history on Friday night. 

After coming through the second round, drawing with Athlone and then defeating them in a replay, they will not be short of confidence and will be buoyed by their opponents recent home record.

Manager Andy Noonan was in upbeat form and said,  "The players are looking forward to the occasion, a lot of the players are getting a taste of this level for the first time and are obviously excited with the prospect in playing in one of the big grounds of Irish football. I have some seasoned players who have played at the Brandywell before and they are equally relishing the thought of playing once again up there.

“In the matter of if they are up to it I don’t think on the night the matter of desire will be a question. To a man these players have it in them to rise to this occasion. There are two ways to look at this, we are only starting off our season and Derry are at the run in to their season. I hope that our fresh legs should stand to us and although we may be a little ring rusty I believe that on the night it will come down to more than fitness, I believe the team that wants it more will come out the victor.

“Derry are a huge club and Bluebell United have no right to go all the way to Derry to knock out the cup holders on their own turf. But in football what’s meant to happen and what should happen doesn’t always work out, so lets see how the night finishes”.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

Derry City are the current holders of the cup having beaten St Pats at the Aviva stadium in November.

Bluebell Utd have won the FAI intermediate cup on no less than five occasions.

Derry City have lost their last five games at the Brandywell.

BETTING

Derry City 1/10,  Draw 15/2,  Bluebell Utd 16/1.

PREDICTION

Derry City 4 v 0 Bluebell United

Derry City

Injured: Kevin Deery (knee).
Suspended: None.

Bluebell United

Injured: None.
Suspended: None.