FAI Cup Preview: Derry City -v- Drogheda United

DERRY CITY

Derry City host First Division side Drogheda United in the FAI Cup this Friday night at the Brandywell. (KO 7.45pm)

It will be Kenny Shiels first game in charge of his current squad in the prestigious cup, which Derry have won five times in their history.

It is unclear what approach the Magherafelt man will take tomorrow night, but he is expected to field a strong side as Derry City look to add another trophy to their cabinet this season.

Derry suffered a 2-1 defeat to second place Cork City last Friday night. After taking the lead, the Derry side stumbled and conceded two late goals to give Cork all three points.

A worry for Kenny Shiels, who has now seen his side concede two late goals in two games.

An issue he will be looking to put right in the future, but he is under no illusion this will be an easy test.

Speaking to the media Shiels said: "They are a very good side with good players and have confidence throughout the team at the minute.

"It's not an easy fixture but if we minimise mistakes we've a really good chance of going through. We've seen them and we have done our homework. We must be patient while aggressive and purposeful in our movement." He added.

Derry City was hopeful of signing former SV Grondig midfielder Lukas Schubert.

The Austrian had been sidelined for the past two seasons with a heart condition and it’s unlikely he’ll be in the side to face Drogheda United tomorrow night.

"I'm a little bit annoyed about it - we've applied for international clearance," Shiels said

"One association is blaming the other, they're blaming Uefa but someone's not doing their job and Lukas is the victim of that.” He added

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United will be looking to build off their good form against the ‘Candystripes’ on Friday night.

Pete Mahon’s side currently sit in second position in the First Division behind leaders Limerick.

The Drogs haven’t lost in their last five games, but suffered a 3-0 defeat to Derry City when the two sides met in the competition last August.

With the main focus being promotion back to the Premier Division this season, Pete Mahon is optimistic his side can also go on a long Cup run.

“It’s a great time for us to be playing in the Cup as we are full of confidence and it’ll obviously be a big test against a side like Derry.” Mahon said

“They have an excellent squad of players along with a great management team and that’s the level we are striving to reach. 

“It’ll be a good indication as to where we are at as a side. The Brandywell is a one of the best places in the country to play football and we are really looking forward to the game,“ he added.

Drogheda will be without both Marc Griffin and Colm Deasy for tomorrow’s game after both sustain injuries against Cobh Ramblers last month.

The Boynesiders will still have Jake Hyland available for selection ahead of his three match ban following his dismissal against Shelbourne.

Referee: Paul Tuite

MATCH FACTS

Derry City beat Drogheda United in the FAI Cup 3-0 last August.

Kenny Shiels takes charge of Derry City for the first time in the FAI Cup.

This will be the 63^rd meeting between the two sides, they both have won 24 times each with there being 14 draws.

BETTING

Derry City 2/7; Draw 4/1; Drogheda United 10/1.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2-0 Drogheda United

Derry City

Injured: Gareth McGlynn

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Drogheda United

Injured: Marc Griffin; Colm Deasy

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None