FAI Cup Preview: Bohemians -v- Galway United

BOHEMIANS

The only all-Premier Division tie in the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup second round sees Bohemians host Galway United at Dalymount Park this Friday night (KO 7.45pm).

Bohs are on one of their worst runs in the club’s history. Keith Long’s side has failed to win or score in six league games to leave the Dubliners third from bottom in the league. Add in the 0-0 draw to Shelbourne in the EA Sports Cup and that is seven games without a win or a solitary goal scored.

In team news, Anto Murphy has been sadly forced to leave the club due to family and work commitments. Jason Caffrey is over the worst of his hamstring injury but will not be risked and Derek Prendergast is listed as a doubt for Friday’s game.

Long is confident of a win, but only if Bohs can reproduce the same level of performance during their 0-1 defeat at Sligo Rovers last week.

"If we can reproduce the performance from down in Sligo last week but take our chances this time, then I am confident we can get the victory."

GALWAY UNITED

The Tribesmen head into Friday’s cup game in pretty good stead despite one win from their last five games, in all competitions. Going to Bray Wanderers and getting three points last week was a welcome and timely return to winning ways for Tommy Dunne’s side.

United have already beaten Bohs 1-0 at Eamonn Deacy Park this season and the Westerners have a good record against Bohs in cup competitions, over the past 18 months.

For Friday’s game Galway will still be without captain and playmaker Ryan Connolly, and now it seems defensive lynchpin Stephen Walsh is on the treatment table. Stephen Folan also misses out while Padraic Cunningham is out for the foreseeable future.

Dunne is adamant his team are just as focused for the FAI Cup as they are for the league.

"It's one of the main competitions, we've got an extremely difficult match. It's a tough draw heading to Dalymount Park. The focus hasn't switched off, it's the same as it would be for any League game, if not even a bit more. We want to do as well as we possibly can in the Cup.

Referee: Neil Doyle

MATCH STATS

Galway and Bohs both exited the FAI Cup at the third round stage in 2015

Bohs have failed to score in their last seven games.

United have one win from their last five outings.

BETTING

Bohemians 7/5; Draw 11/5; Galway United 19/10.

PREDICTION

Bohemians FC 1-1 Galway United

Bohemians

Injured: Jason Caffrey

Doubtful: Derek Prendergast

Suspended: None

Galway United

Injured: Ryan Connolly (calf), Padraic Cunningham (knee), Stephen Folan (back) Stephen Walsh (knee)

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None