FAI Cup Preview: Galway United -v- Dundalk

Daniel Kelly celebrates for Dundalk

Daniel Kelly celebrates for Dundalk Credit: Ben Whitley (ETPhotos)

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United have their eyes on a cup upset when they host Dundalk at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Tribesmen are the runaway leaders in the First Division and may clinch promotion back to the top-flight by the end of the month if results go their way.

But they will be shifting their focus to the FAI Cup this weekend when they host Dundalk.

United have not lost at home this season and have lost just twice in the league – both against Longford Town.

But their boss John Caulfield has backed his side to rise to the occasion.

“We’re looking forward to the game,” he said. “Dundalk are a major force to reckon with.

“We haven’t lost a league game at home this year, so we go into the game with confidence but we know what they (Dundalk) can bring.

“It’ll be a great game in front of a full house and we’re looking forward to it.”

DUNDALK



Dundalk boss Stephen O’Donnell is wary of the challenge that Galway United will pose to his side when they visit Eamonn Deacy Park tonight.

The Lilywhites boss hails from Galway and is expecting a tough test against the First Division league leaders.

But he will be without injured trio Keith Ward, Louie Annesley and Andy Boyle for the game.

“I’m looking forward to the tie,” he said.

“I know from the messages I’ve been getting since the draw was made that there’s a buzz around the city and they’re riding the crest of a wave.

“I think the League of Ireland needs a club like Galway United. It’s a massive club.



“They play in a good venue, they have good support and it’s good for the league to have a balance and a spread where the whole country is represented.

“It can only be a good thing when there’s a team from a city like Galway getting back up to the Premier Division.

“But I’d like to be leaving Eamonn Deacy Park with the locals disappointed and us preparing for an FAI Cup semi-final.”

Referee: David Dunne.

 

PREDICTION

Galway United 2-1 Dundalk

 

Galway United

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

 

Dundalk

Injured: Andy Boyle, Keith Ward, Louie Annesley.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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