FAI Cup Preview: Bohemians v Shelbourne

BOHEMIAN FC

The Gypsies go head-to-head with Shels for the second week running. After last week’s league draw in Tolka Park, Dalymount will host this FAI Cup clash between the Premier Division sides (kick-off 7.45pm).

Bohs are boosted by the inclusion of Danny Grant in the match day squad for the first time since his return to the club and the return to full fitness for Ali Coote and James Akintunde.

Bohs boss Declan Devine said when speaking to his club’s media team that “Danny will be involved at some stage, which gives a huge lift.

"He is looking great. I am sure he is itching to get back playing again – he has been a massive addition in training.

“But even before Danny comes into the squad, we have incredible attacking options. We have some of the best attackers in the country.

:"The competition for the front three of four positions is exceptional. Ali came on last week, and has trained well again this week. James has trained well the last week to 10 days too.

“We are looking for a performance – a performance full of energy, heart and soul. We want our players to really come to the party as it is all about winning this game. Nothing else is important.

“We have got to make sure – by hook or by crook – that we are in that draw for the next round. There will be a lot of clubs going out this weekend and we have got to make sure that we are not one of them. We have been very good here in Dalymount but we have to stop giving ourselves mountains to climb, that is something we have to fix.”

SHELBOURNE

Having made it all the way to last year’s final in the Aviva Stadium, Shels won’t want to fall at the very first hurdle.

Manager Damien Duff said on shelbournefc.ie that the experience of their cup fun will help their team – including the experience of the heavy defeat in the final to Derry City.

“I think the cup run brought us on leaps and bounds,” said Duff. “I’d put the final in that bracket too. You learn the most from defeats and bad defeats in particular, can bring you on as a person.

“I think there’s motivation there. They know the last game was against Derry and that was a tough day, a very hard one to take. I think those lads will go out with a point to prove, and I think players should embrace that feeling.

Duff was keen to talk up the rivalry between the Reds and the Gypsies.

“I’m a blow in, but all I know is I can spot a rivalry a long way away, we’re here 18 months. This is the 7th or 8th time we’ve played them.

"There’s an edge there, a proper rivalry, you can see it and feel it, it’s on the pitch, it’s between players and between the staff, it’s in the stands between the fans, you can sense it on match day, you feel it all week in the build up to the game.

"Shels – Bohs, FAI Cup, it’s as big as it gets.”

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

The Reds are unbeaten against Bohs in their last five competitive games. Shels have two wins and three draws from four league matches and one FAI Cup game.

Shels dumped Bohs out of the FAI Cup at the quarter-final stage winning 3-0 in Tolka Park.

PREDICTION

1-1 AET (Bohs to win on penos)

Bohemians

Injured: Luke Dennison, Dean Williams

Doubtful: n/a

Suspended: None

Shelbourne

Injured: Matty Smith, Shane Griffin, Brian McManus:

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Europa Conference League Report: St. Patrick’s Athletic 2 - 3 F91 Dudelange (F91 win 5-3 on aggregate) https://t.co/mJgxk8AF78pic.twitter.com/1Ypq1vqE32

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) July 20, 2023