FAI Cup Preview: Galway United -v- Limerick

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, Sep 08 2017




GALWAY UNITED

Galway United will look to book a first FAI Cup semi-final appearance for nine years when they host Limerick at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

The 1991 Cup winners reached the quarter-finals with a comfortable 2-0 win over St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park thanks to goals from Jonah Ayunga and Eoin McCormack.

 

In between, they arrested a two-game losing streak in the league as they held Bohemians to a 1-1 draw at Dalymount Park, Padraic Cunningham equalising in the second half.

 

And the Tribesmen will be confident with a draw at home to a side they've already beaten 3-1 at Eamonn Deacy Park earlier in the season.

 

"I think it's a game where both teams are happy with the draw. Both teams will fancy their chances,” manager Shane Keegan told the club's media team.

 

"We have already beaten Limerick at Eamonn Deacy Park this season. That will give us confidence. They will fancy their chances because we're currently second bottom in the table. They will at least be hopeful of bringing a replay back to the Markets Field.

 

"It's not often that you get into a position like this, it's a quarter-final that's winnable, a 50/50 game, we have to fully grab the opportunity. While it's separate to our league campaign, I do think it has an effect.

 

“We have two games at home after the Limerick game, I find it hard to believe that if we won and got a home draw in the semi-final, that it wouldn't give us a massive lift for those games.

 

"If we can win the Limerick game, we will go from now right through until the last week of the season without a break and that is exactly what we're targeting.

 

“If we manage to get through and get a home draw, that would be fantastic for the football club, supporters and players."

 

Keegan will be without Ayunga as the on-loan striker returned to Brighton & Hove Albion after breaking his leg during the win over the Saints.

 

McCormack, Rory Hale and Niall Maher are all doubts with minor injuries but Keegan hopes to have all fit come kick-off time on Friday.

 

 

LIMERICK

Limerick have put poor league form to one side in the Cup this season, reaching the quarter-final stage without conceding a goal.

 

Round One saw the Blues ease past Cobh Ramblers at St Colman's Park with a brace from Garbhan Coughlan and another from Chiedozie Ogbene contributing to a 3-0 win.

 

And they managed to squeeze past Premier Division Finn Harps in the second round as David O'Connor netted the decisive goal after Caolan McAleer had been sent off for Harps.

 

Limerick boss Neil McDonald has a full squad to choose from, although striker Coughlan this week left the club to move to New Zealand.

 

 

Referee: Ben Connolly

 

 

MATCH STATS

Galway and Limerick have met twice so far this year, with the Tribesmen taking four points from the league encounters.

 

The first meeting at the Markets Field in April finished one apiece as David Cawley struck late to cancel out Robbie Williams' first-half opener.

 

The second meeting at Deacy Park was more one-sided as Ronan Murray, Padraic Cunningham and Eoin McCormack scored before Garbhan Coughlan netted a late consolation.

 

 

 

BETTING

Galway United 6/5; Draw 5/2; Limerick 21/10.

 

PREDICTION

Galway United 2 – 0 Limerick

 

 

Galway United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Rory Hale, Niall Maher, Eoin McCormack.

Suspended: None.

 

Limerick

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.