FAI Cup Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- UCD

• Andrew Dempsey
• Sat, Aug 17 2024




SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers can seal their place in the last eight of the FAI Cup when they host UCD at the Showgrounds on Saturday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Bit O’Red defeated Shelbourne at home last weekend and are riding the crest of a wave under boss John Russell.

But the Rovers chief is expecting a tough test against the Sky Blues,

“UCD are absolutely flying at the moment and look very good to make the play-offs so there’s no way we can prepare for this one other than with thorough professionalism”, he said when speaking to Sligo’s media team.

“They have Premier Division experience with players like Ronan Finn who will probably be the most decorated player on the field on Saturday.

“They also have plenty of young talent as always, with the likes of Eanna Clancy who was brilliant for us last season when we needed him. This is a one-off tie and any team in the last 16 will fancy their chances against anyone else.”

UCD

Youthful UCD take on Sligo Rovers looking to claim a shock FAI Cup victory on the road on Saturday night.

In fact, the Students come into the game on the back of a 1-0 success over Bray Wanderers last weekend.

Mikey Raggett was the scorer for Willie O’Connor’s side on that occasion.

UCD reached this stage of the competition with a 4-0 win over Gorey Rangers in the last round and can reach the quarter-final stage with a win.

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2-0 UCD

Sligo Rovers

Injured: John Mahon, Conor Reynolds.

Doubtful: Simon Power.

Suspended: None.

UCD

Injured: Matthew Alonge.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.