Shamrock Rovers -v- Athlone Town
Credit:
Athlone Town travel to the home of last seasons beaten finalists and current leaders of the Airtricity League on Friday night as Mike Kerley’s side attempt a giant killing in the third round of the Ford FAI Cup. (Kick off, 8pm)
Speaking before the game both Kerley and Shamrock Rover’s boss, Michael O’Neill, emphasised the importance of the break from league action. “It’s a break from the league, which the lads will welcome because of the amount of matches we have had recently.”, said O’Neill. “But that doesn’t make it any less of a big game for us. After just missing out at the final last year, we’ll want to go one better this year”.
O’Neill’s Shamrock Rovers are currently sitting pretty at the top of the Premier Division after a recent 1-0 victory over Dublin rivals Bohemians. Despite the vital win Rovers have been in mixed form in the league as they went from a comfortable 3-0 victory over basement club Drogheda United to losing to what can now be referred to as their ‘voodoo’ team, Bray Wanderers.
The Rovers boss has two injury doubts for this fixture with Gary Twigg (dead leg) and Alan Mannus (shoulder), although expectations are that both will be fit to play.
However, his counterpart, Kerley, is not as fortunate and has a number of injury concerns. Garry Higgins and Brendan Daly are both still struggling with their respective injuries although Garry Higgins is said to have a 50/50 chance of making the kick off. Michael Schlingermann, Kevin Williamson and Eoin Monaghan all picked up injuries in the league against Salthill on Monday night but all are hoping to be available for Friday’s game.
Athlone have recently ended a run of four 3-0 defeats thanks to overcoming Salthill Devon 2-0 at Lisseywoollen and will be looking to build on the victory in Tallaght.
Shamrock Rovers:
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Gary Twigg (Knee), Alan Mannus (Shoulder).
Suspended: None.
Athlone Town:
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Garry Higgins (hamstring), Brendan Daly (back), Michael Schlingermann and Kevin Williamson (both knee), Eoin Monaghan (groin).
Suspended: None.
Referee: Tom Connolly.
Paddy Power Odds: Shamrock Rovers 1/10; Draw 13/2; Athlone Town 22/1.
Extratime prediction: Shamrock Rovers 4-0 Athlone Town.
Speaking before the game both Kerley and Shamrock Rover’s boss, Michael O’Neill, emphasised the importance of the break from league action. “It’s a break from the league, which the lads will welcome because of the amount of matches we have had recently.”, said O’Neill. “But that doesn’t make it any less of a big game for us. After just missing out at the final last year, we’ll want to go one better this year”.
O’Neill’s Shamrock Rovers are currently sitting pretty at the top of the Premier Division after a recent 1-0 victory over Dublin rivals Bohemians. Despite the vital win Rovers have been in mixed form in the league as they went from a comfortable 3-0 victory over basement club Drogheda United to losing to what can now be referred to as their ‘voodoo’ team, Bray Wanderers.
The Rovers boss has two injury doubts for this fixture with Gary Twigg (dead leg) and Alan Mannus (shoulder), although expectations are that both will be fit to play.
However, his counterpart, Kerley, is not as fortunate and has a number of injury concerns. Garry Higgins and Brendan Daly are both still struggling with their respective injuries although Garry Higgins is said to have a 50/50 chance of making the kick off. Michael Schlingermann, Kevin Williamson and Eoin Monaghan all picked up injuries in the league against Salthill on Monday night but all are hoping to be available for Friday’s game.
Athlone have recently ended a run of four 3-0 defeats thanks to overcoming Salthill Devon 2-0 at Lisseywoollen and will be looking to build on the victory in Tallaght.
Shamrock Rovers:
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Gary Twigg (Knee), Alan Mannus (Shoulder).
Suspended: None.
Athlone Town:
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Garry Higgins (hamstring), Brendan Daly (back), Michael Schlingermann and Kevin Williamson (both knee), Eoin Monaghan (groin).
Suspended: None.
Referee: Tom Connolly.
Paddy Power Odds: Shamrock Rovers 1/10; Draw 13/2; Athlone Town 22/1.
Extratime prediction: Shamrock Rovers 4-0 Athlone Town.
