EA Cup Final Preview: Dundalk FC -v- Shamrock Rovers

The second final of the season sees Dundalk do battle with Shamrock Rovers at Oriel Park. Kick-off is scheduled for 5.45 pm and the game is being broadcast live on Setanta Sports.

DUNDALK FC

Saturday's encounter is a rematch of the FAI Cup quarter-final replay – and the seventh of the season so far between the sides – which the Lilywhites lost 2-1, so the incentive of getting revenge certainly adds to the drama of it all.

Sitting comfortably at the top of the tree in the league, Stephen Kenny's men have had things their way for so long, they are odds on favourites to brush past Rovers at the weekend, and the manager is relishing the challenge of taking home some well-deserved silverware.

Speaking head of the final, Kenny spoke about the winning mentality inherent in his squad.

“It’s great to have a final in Dundalk. It has been a long time since the town has hosted a final and it’s a good competition to have. There will be a few changes to the team but those who come in will be more than capable. We want to win everything. We’re all looking forward to the game and a great chance to win a trophy. We’ve prepared well. The players have been terrific and hopefully we can get the victory.”

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Rovers' form in all competitions so far this month reads one win, one loss and one draw – not the worst, especially considering they overcame Dundalk along the way and only lost against Cork City, one of the best teams in the country.

A busy schedule of four games in 10 days may not be ideal, particularly with a massively important FAI Cup last-four clash to get through on the 5^th of October.

But their hectic diary is an indicator of just how battle-hardened they've been on all fronts this year. Intent on defending their League Cup crown, the Hoops are sure to pay little heed to the form nor, indeed, will they be intimidated by Dundalk's impressive achievements this season.

Speaking ahead of the big match, Pat Fenlon indicated that his side's confidence could play a deciding role in how it all pans out.

We’re very much looking forward to the game; it’s always great to be involved in a cup final and we will relish that opportunity this weekend. We are going to Dundalk with the full intention of picking up silverware, when you are in a cup final that is always what you want. It should be another good occasion for everyone involved and after Monday night’s win we will have confidence going into the game.”

MATCH STATS

Fenlon's charges have won four of the last 10 meetings between the sides in all competitions.

Dundalk's Pat Hoban will be one to watch at Oriel Park on Saturday. He's already bagged an impressively high 19 goals across all competitions this season.

In all, this will be the 333^rd meeting between the clubs. And, intriguingly, this is also the second time the pair have come face-to-face in the League Cup final – back in 1987 Dundalk emerged victorious on a score-line of 1-0.

BETTING

Dundalk 11/10; Draw 21/10; Shamrock Rovers 12/5

PREDICTION

This one could go to extra-time. A closely-contested encounter. It could well be decided on penalties.

Dundalk

Injuries: Stephen O' Donnell (knee), Simon Kelly (calf)

Doubtful: None

Suspensions: None

Shamrock Rovers

Injuries: None

Doubtful: None

Suspensions: None