Bray Wanderers v Limerick FC (Carlisle Grounds, 7.45pm)
BRAY WANDERERS ARE marginal favourites to book their place in the final four of this year’s EA Sports Cup when they welcome the only First Division side still standing in the competition, Limerick FC, to the Carlisle Grounds this evening.
Since dragging themselves away from the foot of the league table, Bray have suffered a dip in form and they resumed their campaign on Friday evening with a disappointing 3-1 defeat away to Drogheda. Although Pat Devlin may be tempted to rest a few players ahead of the visit of Cork City this weekend, he will no doubt see value in extending Bray’s run in their only remaining cup competition.
Limerick kept up the chase at the top of the First Division with a comfortable 4-0 win against Wexford Youths on Friday. Sean Brosnan, Shane Treacy, David O’Leary and Rory Gaffney all got their names on the scoresheet as Lims made it five games unbeaten in the league.
Bray ran out 3-0 winners when the sides last met in the FAI Cup in August 2011.
Team news Jonathan Kielty returns to the Bray squad. The winger missed Friday night’s defeat to Drogheda but has recovered from the shin injury which kept him out. Defender Pierce Sweeney (illness) remains a doubt for tonight.
Stephen Bradley, Paudie Quinn and Corrie Treacy are all available again for Limerick after serving one-match suspensions against Wexford but Jeffrey Judge, who recently resigned from Pike Rovers, is still banned.
Form (all competitions) Bray LDLWL Limerick WWLWW
Odds Bray 7/5 Draw 11/5 Limerick 17/10
Referee P Tuite
Drogheda United v Dundalk (Hunky Dorys Park, 7.45pm)
MICK COOKE HAS indicated that he will reshuffle his pack when Drogheda United host Dundalk in a Louth derby quarter-final at Hunky Dorys Park this evening.
Drogheda showed few signs of rustiness following the mid-season break and took full advantage of some sloppy defending to beat Bray Wanderers 3-1 when their high-flying Premier Division campaign resumed last Friday.
“I will be making changes for the game on Monday,” Cooke said afterwards. “The majority of the players on the bench will be given a chance as we picked up a few knocks tonight.”
League cup semi-finalists in 2010, Dundalk will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 1-1 draw against UCD by taking one step closer to a trophy which they last won in 1989.
Team news Eric Foley missed Friday’s win against Bray through suspension but is available again for Drogheda.
Dundalk keeper Ger Hanley suffered a broken wrist when handed his first-team chance against UCD on Friday and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, so Peter Cherrie may return in goal tonight. Stephen McDonnell (hamstring) is a doubt while striker Michael Rafter is available following suspension.
Form Drogheda LDWWW Dundalk LWWLD
Odds Drogheda 8/13 Draw 13/5 Dundalk 4/1
Referee D Tomney
