Bohemians -v- Avondale United

BOHEMIANS

Having beaten Drumkeen United in the previous round, Bohemians face another non-league side this weekend in the form of Avondale United. The Gypsies come into this match after twice coming from behind against Shelbourne on Monday night at Dalymount, to gain a valuable point.

Bohemians lie sixth in the league and, after losing to Derry City and drawing with Shelbourne, their chances of securing a European place through the league are slim. The FAI Cup could provide the Gypsies with a route back to Europe and a chance to erase the memories of this year’s humiliating exit to Thor Akureyri.

The Gypsies will have striker Dave Scully back after a five-match suspension for the visit of Avondale. However, midfielder Ryan McEvoy is doubtful for this game after taking a knock to his ankle in Monday nights game against Shelbourne.

Speaking to bohemians.ie, manager Aaron Callaghan made it clear that he is making sure his team prepares properly for this game and gives the current Munster Senior League and FAI Intermediate Cup title-holders the respect they deserve.

“It’s a tie we can win but it’s also a tie we have to be careful about. The fact that we’re at home means the onus is on us to attack and use the big pitch at Dalymount, which suit us more than it suits them. But they are a big, organised, strong team. They play a 3-5-2 system which is slightly unusual. They are probably the strongest non-league team around.”

AVONDALE UNITED

Munster Senior League side Avondale United travel to Dalymount Park as massive underdogs and with nothing to lose, which makes them a potentially dangerous opponent. Avondale defeated fellow non-league side Kildrum Tigers 3-1 in the previous round after they defeated Sheriff YC, another non-league team, 3-1 in the first round back in April.

Their last win in the cup came away from home but this trip to Dalymount will be a huge step up in class for the Cork team.

Avondale are at the start of their season but in the three cup games they have played so far they are unbeaten. Their last game was a 2-1 victory against Sheriff YC in the inaugural Tom Hand Cup. This cup is played off between the winners of the FAI Junior Cup and the FAI Intermediate Cup, so with their season barely begun, Avondale already have a trophy secured.

Having to travel to Dublin is a distinct disadvantage as is the probable hunger they will face from Bohemians squad facing into their last chance of silverware this season. They will be aware that Bohemians have made the semi-finals of the cup in 2010 and 2011 and they will be determined to halt the Dublin side’s progress with a quarter final place at stake. 

Referee: Tom Connolly.

MATCH STATS

The last Munster Senior League sides to meet Bohemians in the cup were Douglas Hall (beaten 3-0 at Dalymount, 2011) and Mayfield United (beaten 8-1 at Dalymount, 2009).

Avondale United have qualified for the FAI Cup twelve times in their 40-year history.

BETTING

Bohemians 1/5, Draw 5/1, Avondale United, 11/1.

PREDICTION

Bohemians really need to progress to keep their season alive. 3-0 to the home team.

Bohemians Injury news: Ryan McEvoy (doubtful).

Bohemians Suspension news: None.

Avondale Injury news: Unavailable.

Avondale Suspension news: Unavailable.