FAI Cup Preview: Dundalk FC -v- Galway FC

DUNDALK FC

Welcoming Galway to Oriel Park on Friday evening for their 199^th FAI Cup match, Dundalk are keen to keep their good season on a high as they go in search of another big win in the third round (kick-off is set for 7.45 pm). 

An intriguing sub-plot for the tie is the fact that two brothers are expected to go head-to-head with each other as Lilywhites' Daryl Horgan faces up against his brother, Colm.

With the league crown within their grasp, they'll look to try and wrap the title up a little earlier than expected, although it's not going to be easy. But a win on Friday night would put them one step closer to another piece of silverware, something an accolade-hungry side will be desperate to achieve – and they're unlikely to let any fraternal niceties get in the way.

The league's newest club should provide them with a stern test, but all signs still seem to point to a win for Stephen Kenny's troops. Nonetheless, with the onus on them to go out and prove themselves, it's plausible they could slip up if they take their foot off the gas.

Entering the tie on the back of a win over Limerick and a draw against Sligo Rovers, they'll no doubt be happy with a break from the frantic league action.

Speaking ahead of the last-16 clash, defender Andy Boyle intimated that they were expecting a good contest but remained confident of exending their cup run.

“The FAI Cup is very important to us. Every competition is but the Cup is a little bit different and we all really enjoy it. We don’t underestimate anyone and we know that Galway are going to be difficult opposition. They’re a good side and they will be coming here to win but we’re doing well so hopefully we can get the job done.”

GALWAY FC

Upbeat after a hugely important and dramatic recent league win over First Division leaders, Longford Town at the City Calling Stadium, Galway FC enter this Friday's encounter riding the crest of a wave.

That said, their trip  to Louth is one that they are underdogs for, and despite their recent upsetting of the odds against Tony Cousins' charges last weekend, they won't expect to get around Dundalk too easily.

Arguably, Tommy Dunne and his men will need to be at the very peak of their powers if they are to cause a shock heading in to the weekend, but if they play to their potential and, most importantly, if they take the chances that come their way, they will certainly make a good contest out of it.

Travelling supporters will look to their leading goalscorer Jake Keegan to find the back of the net, along with Vinny Faherty and the returning Enda Curran.

Speaking ahead the encounter, Tommy Dunne insisted that his charges weren't going to get their hopes up, but they were relishing the challenge.

"We will be up against it but we're really looking forward to the challenge. We're going to Dundalk, there's no pressure on us at all, we're not expected to get anything.

"We just want to give a good account of ourselves. If we do perform, you never know where that might take us. If we get a bit of luck then who knows."

Referee: Paul Tuite

MATCH STATS

This will be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs. The only other time they met was in a pre-season friendly back on February 11. Galway won the match that day on a final score-line of 2-1 with Jake Keegan and Gary Shanahan grabbing the all-important goals.

In their most recent five matches Galway have netted seven goals, whereas Dundalk have found the net 10 times in as many fixtures. The difference in quality up front should prove a key factor.

And there's a bit of a record on the line as Dundalk have never lost to a Galway-based club in the cup before.

BETTING

Dundalk 2/9; Draw 9/2; Galway 11/1

PREDICTION

A narrow win for Kenny's side; 2-1 the final score.

Dundalk

Injuries: Stephen O' Donnell (knee)
Doubtful: Simon Kelly (calf)
Suspensions: None

Galway

Injuries: Martin Conneelly (achilles), Aaron McDonagh (foot)
Doubtful: Ryan Manning & Alex Byrne (both to undergo late fitness tests)
Suspensions: None