FAI Cup Preview: Drogheda United -v- Wexford

• Tommy Healy
• Sun, Oct 06 2024




Drogheda United aim to return to the Aviva Stadium for the first time in 11 years, while history-chasing Wexford are looking for their first chance at the Cup (kick-off is at 2:50 pm with the game on RTÉ 2).

DROGHEDA UNITED

The Boynesiders come into this tie on a hot streak, having lost just one game since they were defeated 4-2 at Oriel Park back in July.

Two months later, they find themselves 7 points clear of Dundalk with 4 games to play, and in their first FAI Cup semi-final since reaching the final in 2013.

Speaking to LOITV after a 2-1 home win over cup finalists Derry City last Friday, Drogheda manager Kevin Doherty said, “Cup next week, that’s all our focus is on.

“Semi-final of the Cup. Since we got through against Athlone, we haven’t spoken about the Cup, so we’ll talk about it now, and it’s all about Wexford next week.”

Goalkeeper Luke Dennison, interviewed by the club in preparation for this semi-final, said, “It’s so exciting, it’s where the club is meant to be, and all credit to the players and staff for making it to an FAI Cup semi-final.

“That’s the League of Ireland, that’s football in general—whoever shows up on the day can win. Everyone’s feeling healthy, everyone’s fit.

“We know Wexford will be the same; they’ll be ready to perform. We can’t look down on Wexford, we’ll treat them like any other team, with the utmost respect.”

With no new injury concerns for Drogheda, and a home end that sold out in just over an hour, the atmosphere is set to be electric on matchday.

WEXFORD

While Drogheda got the draw that favoured them the most, Wexford are not an opponent to be brushed aside.

Like their opponents, Wexford are on a barnstorming run in both the First Division and the FAI Cup, having lost just once since July—a 3-0 defeat to Longford, where they were reduced to 10 men.

The Warriors are unbeaten in nine games, including seven straight victories, and currently sit fifth in the table.

In this competition so far, Wexford have comfortably seen off Wayside Celtic, Ballyfermot, and Treaty United to make their first-ever FAI Cup semi-final.

Wexford also have no fresh injuries, giving manager James Keady a full squad to choose from for this massive game on Sunday.

Referee: Damien McGraith

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 3-0 Wexford

Drogheda United
Injured: Zishim Bawa
Doubtful: N/A
Suspended: None

Wexford
Injured: None
Doubtful: N/A
Suspended: None