FAI Cup Preview: Finn Harps -v- St Patrick’s Athletic

FINN HARPS

First Division strugglers Finn Harps host St Patrick’s Athletic at Finn Park on Friday night in the FAI Cup (kick-off is at 8pm).

Harps have endured a challenging year in the second-tier and are set to miss out on a place in the play-offs.

And just last week they fell to a dismal 4-0 defeat at home to Waterford.

So that means a cup run is the only thing keeping their campaign alive heading into the final weeks of the year.

Harps have already defeated Kilbarrack United and Skerries Town in the competition this season.

But a home tie against St Pat’s will be a major step up in class for Dave Rogers’ men.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Pat’s boss Jon Daly has called on his side to be wary of Finn Harps ahead of their trip to Donegal this evening.

The Saints last won the cup in 2021 and they will be looking to do the same this year as the business end of the season approaches.

“It's a cup tie so league form goes out the window,” Daly said. “It's up in their place so they'll be really happy with that.

“As we've found out in recent years, it's a difficult place to go, so we'll need to be on our game and be mindful of what they can do.

“We'll need to be fully concentrated and fully at it to give ourselves the best possible opportunity to go through.

“Knocking Derry City out in the last round was great, obviously we did it the hard way by going to penalties.

“Everyone in the FAI Cup now will fancy their chances on any given day, but it's about what we do and how we approach the game.

“It's important for us to play at the tempo that we like to play at and that we don't let them control the game. It's about taking opportunities when they present themselves.”

Referee: Rob Harvey.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 0-3 St Patrick’s Athletic

Finn Harps

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Tom Grivosti, Axel Sjoberg.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.