1. Time for a giant-killing?
THE FAI CUP proper gets underway this weekend, and the big question on supporters’ lips is from where the giant-killing might come.
In total there are 16 games down for decision, but only five ties with league teams meeting and just one all-Premier Division clash, with Dundalk welcoming Galway United to Oriel Park.
That means 11 non-league sides are hoping to leave a big mark on this season’s blue-riband competition and several will be confident of their chances. Cherry Orchard may have surrendered home advantage against UCD, but they will give the Students plenty to worry about.
Meanwhile, Midleton will welcome Cork City to east Cork hopeful of a major shock and New Ross Celtic make the short journey to the RSC, where they will face a Waterford United team that is beginning to adjust to life without Stephen Henderson.
2. Hall hopes could be hampered
One non-league team that are facing adversity is Douglas Hall from the Munster Senior League. The Cork side lost a play-off for the MSL on Wednesday night against Rockmount and now the face a trip to Dalymount Park to face Bohemians.
The Hall aren’t shy of causing FAI Cup shocks however, having reached this stage in 2007, where they took Limerick 37 to a replay. However, their defeat to Rockmount on Wednesday is likely to have taken a lot out of the players and if they are to get a result against Pat Fenlon’s men, it will be guaranteed to be the biggest shock of the weekend.
3. Holders face Junior Cup winners
Current cup champions, Sligo Rovers, welcome recent FAI Junior Cup winners Pike Rovers to The Showgrounds in what could be a surprisingly difficult tie for the Bit O’Red.
Immediately after the draw Paul Cook admitted he knew very little about the Limerick team, but after they lifted the Junior Cup at Turner’s Cross a fortnight ago, they will be in buoyant mood. And with nothing to lose, you can be sure that Pike will throw everything they can at the holders.
They defeated Intermediate Cup champions Avondale United from Cork in the last round in a replay to reach this stage.
4. Hoops continue rich league form
Looking back for a moment, Shamrock Rovers took the spoils at home to Bohemians on Monday night to maintain their grasp on top spot. Karl Sheppard scored once more for the Hoops to separate the sides after a scrappy enough 90 minutes. Let’s just say both sides will give better accounts of themselves over the summer.
Elsewhere, Bray defeated Drogheda away to stay within three points of top spot, St Pat’s and Sligo both won, keeping further pressure on Shamrock Rovers, while Derry City continue to score goals for fun at the Brandywell – they struck another six past a desperate Galway United, Eamon Zayed scoring four goals.
5. Seeding news gives teams a big shot at European success
It might sound a little over-enthusiastic, but this summer has the potential to be one of the greatest for Irish clubs in Europe. The news earlier this week that Shamrock Rovers will be seeded in the second round of the Champions League qualifiers is a big boost and it means that if the Hoops are given a favourable draw then they might make the magical breakthrough into the group stages of a European competition.
Sligo Rovers will enter the Europa League at the third qualifiying round, while St Patrick’s Athletic will be seeded in the first and second round. Bohemians have been given a bye in the first round of the continent’s secondary competition and will also be seeded in the second round.
