Setanta Cup Preview
Credit:
This weekend the Setanta Sports Cup 2009/10 begins with the champions
from both sides of the border, Glentoran and Bohemians, facing off
against each other on Saturday at the Oval at 5.30pm. Group One kicks
off straight after the opener, as Cork City play Cliftonville in
Turner’s Cross at 7pm. The kick-off of the third group in the
competition has been delayed due to the involvement of St. Patrick’s
Athletic in the Europa League.
The changes in the competition mean that there are now three groups, with each containing three teams. The champions now gain automatic qualification, regardless of their position in their domestic league (the top four in each league normally qualify). Matches have also now been switched to weekends from their original position of midweek. Each of the group winners gain a semi-final spot, while the best-placed runner- up will complete the semi-final line up.
Much of the talk preceding the competition has centred around the future of the event itself. A press release in June stated that the "draw has been postponed at the request of Setanta Sports to give the company an opportunity to gain clarity around a number of market related issues it currently faces." Thankfully, the draw was eventually made and the FAI confirmed that the competition would be going ahead on July 19.
For an opening match, Bohemians v Glentoran must arguably be one of the most glamorous ties in the history of the Setanta Cup. The team which wins will be best placed to finish on top of Group One, although Coleraine, who finished 4th in the Carling Premiership last season and reached the Irish Cup final, may spring a surprise. Former Manchester United, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers star Keith Gillespie could start for Glentoran, who are still unbeaten after the opening four matches of the season. Bohemians will look to carry on their fine domestic form to the Oval on Saturday for what should be a thrilling opener.
Cork City face Cliftonville in the opening match of Group Two and Cork, the defending champions, will harbour their own ambitions of retaining the trophy. Cliftonville have lost three of their last five domestic matches and sit in the bottom half of the Premiership table. Sligo Rovers complete the group and their small squad may end up costing them as they attempt to stave off relegation, play in the FAI Ford Cup quarter-finals against Bohemians and compete in the Setanta Cup.
Group Three features Derry City, St. Pat’s and Linfield. Perhaps the most open group, all three clubs seem equally capable of winning the group outright. Linfield remain the only Northern club to have won the competition since its inception in 2005 and have a steady start to the season, with two wins, two draws and one loss. Derry City and St. Pat’s will both also be on the hunt for some silverware.
This year seems as good as any for another northern team to win the Setanta Cup, as apart from Bohemians, no LOI side immediately jumps out as a favourite.
The changes in the competition mean that there are now three groups, with each containing three teams. The champions now gain automatic qualification, regardless of their position in their domestic league (the top four in each league normally qualify). Matches have also now been switched to weekends from their original position of midweek. Each of the group winners gain a semi-final spot, while the best-placed runner- up will complete the semi-final line up.
Much of the talk preceding the competition has centred around the future of the event itself. A press release in June stated that the "draw has been postponed at the request of Setanta Sports to give the company an opportunity to gain clarity around a number of market related issues it currently faces." Thankfully, the draw was eventually made and the FAI confirmed that the competition would be going ahead on July 19.
For an opening match, Bohemians v Glentoran must arguably be one of the most glamorous ties in the history of the Setanta Cup. The team which wins will be best placed to finish on top of Group One, although Coleraine, who finished 4th in the Carling Premiership last season and reached the Irish Cup final, may spring a surprise. Former Manchester United, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers star Keith Gillespie could start for Glentoran, who are still unbeaten after the opening four matches of the season. Bohemians will look to carry on their fine domestic form to the Oval on Saturday for what should be a thrilling opener.
Cork City face Cliftonville in the opening match of Group Two and Cork, the defending champions, will harbour their own ambitions of retaining the trophy. Cliftonville have lost three of their last five domestic matches and sit in the bottom half of the Premiership table. Sligo Rovers complete the group and their small squad may end up costing them as they attempt to stave off relegation, play in the FAI Ford Cup quarter-finals against Bohemians and compete in the Setanta Cup.
Group Three features Derry City, St. Pat’s and Linfield. Perhaps the most open group, all three clubs seem equally capable of winning the group outright. Linfield remain the only Northern club to have won the competition since its inception in 2005 and have a steady start to the season, with two wins, two draws and one loss. Derry City and St. Pat’s will both also be on the hunt for some silverware.
This year seems as good as any for another northern team to win the Setanta Cup, as apart from Bohemians, no LOI side immediately jumps out as a favourite.
About Niall Farrell
Niall Farrell is our correspondent at Tolka Park, covering the goings-on at Shelbourne. You can visit Niall's website for further information and contact details- niallf.net. View Full Profile