FAI Cup Preview: Derry City -v- Shamrock Rovers

DERRY CITY

The top two in the league go head-to-head in the cup quarter-final on Sunday as the Candystripes host the Hoops in a sold out Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium in front of the live RTÉ cameras (kick-off 5pm).

Derry City are a point behind league leaders Shamrock Rovers, albeit having played two games more.

As the two battle for the title, City now have the chance to take out the Hoops in cup action and earn themselves a place in the semi-final line up that will contain First Division clubs Treaty United and Waterford and either Shelbourne or Bohemians (who play at 2pm on Sunday). 

The cup semi-final draw will take place directly after the game in Derry.

Ruadhri Higgins’ men will be looking to catch Rovers on their return from European action – the Hoops lost 3-0 to KAA Gent in Belgium on Thursday evening but the City boss reckons Rovers are well capable to competing across three competitions.

"If any club is capable of handling those demands it is them,” said Higgins on derrycityfc.net.

"They played last Thursday night as well and were four up against Finn Harps at half time on the Sunday, so no, I don't see that as a factor at all.”

The Candystripes come into Sunday’s game unbeaten in their last ten games across all competitions (since their European defeat against Riga) – winning seven of those matches 

"We're playing well and it's great that we've put the recent wins together after a few frustrating draws in the summer. I know how important this competition is to players and supporters alike and we'll be doing everything in our power to be in the semi-final draw."

It will be a packed venue on Foyleside and the home supporters will be hoping that with a win over Rovers, they can go on to claim their first FAI Cup in a decade.

"Our supporters have been brilliant this season and they have focused only on backing the team. "It gives the players a huge lift to have them behind us and we need them again on Sunday for what is a massive game in our season."

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Last month Rovers returned from playing an away European game and had to travel to Derry just three days later. They were second best in that league game but held on for a scoreless draw with Alan Mannus saving a Will Patching penalty.

Now, on three days rest, they face the same journey in the cup having lost 3-0 away to KAA Gent last Thursday.

"We gave away two bad goals in the first 18 minutes and in any game, you'd make it really difficult for yourself, but especially at that level,” said Hoops Head Coach Stephen Bradley speaking to shamrockrovers.ie about their Europa Conference League clash with the Belgian cup holders.

“After that it became a very difficult game, even though we did create some good opportunities in the second half. We made it very hard for ourselves. I felt we should have scored a couple on the night. 

“The third goal is one he's hit with the outside of his foot, and it's gone in the top corner. It's one of those, on another night it goes into the corner flag, but it's gone in. After that we had opportunities to go and score a couple on the night and we're disappointed we didn't take them." 

It will be a smaller away crowd supporting the Hoops on Sunday compared with the 1,000+ Rovers fans who travelled to the game in Belgium and Bradley was very appreciative of that support.

"It was unbelievable support throughout the 90 minutes and the reception they gave the players after the game. A massive thank you to each and every one of them because we've had a lot of games already away from home in Europe this year and they've travelled in numbers." 

A win in the cup would mean the cup semi-final would clash with Rovers’ league game with Drogheda United adding to their fixture congestion but Bradley notes that his team is focussed on getting the win over Derry in the cup.

“It's two good teams and all the games between ourselves this year have been tight, so I don't see Sunday being any different. It's a tough game but we'll be ready, we'll be going there looking to win the game and make sure we're in the next round." 

Referee: Rob Hennessy

MATCH STATS

This season in the league games between the sides there has been one draw and a win each for either team. City’s 2-1 win in Derry in February was the first victory for the Candystripes over the Hoops since August 2017.

The teams last met in the cup in 2014. That was in the semi-final stage when they drew 1-1 in Tallaght before the Candystripes prevailed 2-0 in the replay in Derry.

While Rovers home form has been imperious – they are undefeated in all competitions in Tallaght for over a year – unbeaten in 27 games across all competitions. However, away from Dublin 24 it is a different story. They have lost five in the league and three in Europe.

PREDICTION

2-1 home win after extra-time  

Derry City

Injured: n/a

Doubtful: n/a

Suspended: None

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Sean Hoare

Doubtful: Pico Lopes, Richie Towell

Suspended: Aidomo Emakhu

Postcard from Shamrock Rovers' group stage game in Ghent https://t.co/NPNo16Krd9pic.twitter.com/WV4o76TyKS

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) September 18, 2022