FOUR AIRTRICTY LEAGUE team faces their first competitive action of the season as the 2013 Setanta Sports Cup gets underway .
Here’s what’s on the menu for tonight’s first round first leg ties:
St Patrick’s Athletic v Glentoran
When and where? 19:30, Richmond Park (Live on Setanta Ireland)
Odds? St Pat’s 8/15 Draw 11/4 Glentoran 11/2
Who’s missing? John Russell is suspended for the Saints — he was sent off against Cliftonville in the first round of last year’s competition — while Jake Kelly and Greg Bolger (both thigh) are injury doubts.
Northern perspective? Glentoran are sixth in the IFA Premiership at the moment but come into the game on a high after beating Bangor 5-2 to book their place in the Irish Cup quarter-finals at the weekend. Manager Eddie Patterson is expected to rotate his team.
Cork City v Cliftonville
When and where? 19:45, Turner’s Cross
Odds? Cork 5/4 Draw 12/5 Cliftonville 19/10
Who’s missing? Cork’s Brian Lenihan is still injured while John Dunleavy is ruled out with illness. Denis Behan scored in Saturday’s pre-season win against Longford but picked up a knock and sits out tonight.
Northern perspective? The Reds are currently 12 points clear at the the top of the IFA Premiership. They have won their last five in the competition but manager Tommy Breslin will have one eye on next weekend’s North Belfast derby against second-placed Crusaders.
Drogheda United v Portadown
When and where? 19:45, Hunky Dory’s Park
Odds? Drogheda 5/6 Draw 5/2 Portadown 3/1
Who’s missing? Drogheda’s Alan McNally is ruled out with a knee injury picked up in pre-season training.
Northern perspective? Remember Gary Twigg? The Scottish striker started life after Shamrock Rovers with four goals in his first four games since completing the move north last month. Ports’ league form has been mixed of late with two wins in their last five leaving them seventh in the league.
Shamrock Rovers v Coleraine
When and where? 19:45, Tallaght Stadium
Odds? Shamrock Rovers 2/5 Draw 3/1 Coleraine 15/2
Who’s missing? Richard Brush (groin), Billy Dennehy (ankle) and Lorcan Shannon (quad) are all definitely out for Rovers while new signings Barry Murphy (groin) and Danny Ledwith (knee) are doubts.
Northern perspective? Coleraine set up a cup quarter-final showdown against Portadown when they beat neighbours Ballymena on Saturday. After hovering in the league top three for most of the early part of the season, they’ve dropped off the pace and are currently fifth.
