FAI Cup Preview: Derry City -v- Drogheda United

Derry City will host Drogheda United this Friday evening in the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup (Kick off: 7:45pm).

DERRY CITY

Peter Hutton and his side will have to direct their attention away from the relegation battle they find themselves in and onto the FAI cup this week as Drogheda roll into town.

Derry will need to quickly recover from the back-to-back losses they suffered against Dundalk and fellow strugglers Sligo as they attempt to gather momentum for the rest of the season.

The cup could well be a welcome distraction for the Brandywell faithful with a lengthy cup run having the capability of bringing some much needed positivity into the Derry camp coming into the final eight games of the season.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Johnny McDonnell will bring his Drogheda side to the North West in an attempt to avenge the 5-0 thrashing that they received at the hands of Derry in last season’s quarter final.

After earning their first point on Monday in four games, Drogheda will probably be glad to put the league worries to one side as they attempt to progress in the cup.

Despite the more pressing matters in the league, Drogs manager McDonnell is adamant that this cup game against Derry will be given their full focus:

"We are treating the Cup game the same as a league one. It's important to us because it's the next match. We are going to go there and try to get something and a good result will put us into the quarter-finals and give us great confidence for the rest of the season."

Johnny McDonnell continued on with his assessment of their forthcoming opponents, explaining that he doesn’t see much between the two sides:

"The league table will tell you that there isn't much between the sides and I'd expect it to be a close game tomorrow. Derry haven't had the best home form this year but they have invested heavily during the transfer window.

"They love to keep the ball and play attacking football but I'm certain that if we play to our best then we will have a great chance of getting through to the next round."

Drogheda will be without the long term sidelined duo Dylan Connolly and James Daly whilst Stephen Maher is rated doubtful with a knee injury. However McDonnell will be able to recall Robert Bayly who is back from suspension.

Referee: Paul Tuite

MATCH STATS

Derry made it all the way to the final last season, eventually being beaten by St. Patrick’s Athletic at the Aviva.                 

The two sides met at the quarter-final stage last season. The tie ended 2-2 at United Park with Derry winning the replay at the Brandywell 5-0.

Drogheda have faced Derry twice this season so far. The game at the Brandywell in March ended in a 3-0 win for The Candystripes with the corresponding fixture at United Park in June ending 1-1.

BETTING

Derry City 4/5; Draw 12/5; Drogheda United 7/2.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2-1 Drogheda United.

Derry City

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: Dylan Connolly, James Daly.

Doubtful: Stephen Maher.

Suspended: None.