A break from Airtricity League action this week as the FAI Ford Cup reaches the last 16 stage. Here's what we're looking out for.
1) Will a win for holders Derry City get them back on track?
Derry City dramatically won the FAI Cup last November on the back of a good run of form (after an indifferent season overall). This year they started the season in fine form and led the league on goal difference after the first series of games. Things haven't really gone to plan since and they now sit in 4th, 8 points behind the leaders St Pats. They'll be hoping for a comfortable win tonight against Bluebell United, who have conceded home advantage to Derry, to re-invigorate their season. There'll be plenty of romantics around the league hoping this isn't Trevor Molloy's last FAI Cup game though and with Derry in such awful form at home, a shock is possible.
2) Surely the former cup specialists can't lose to a junior side?
Shamrock Rovers have won the FAI Cup 24 times, a whopping 15 times more than the next best team (Dundalk). Incredinly though it's been 26 years since their last cup win. Despite his protests, and his continued pointing to their success in the minor cups, Rovers manager Trevor Croly is under pressure and an FAI Cup win may be just the thing he needs to get another year at the job. They host the best junior side in the country tonight as Sheriff YC look to add the high profile scalp of Rovers to their 7 trophies won in 2013. Anything less than a win for Rovers could lead to anarachy in Tallaght.
3) The actual cup specialist have a tougher game
Sligo Rovers haven't been beaten by a club that still exists in the FAI Cup since June 2008. That's 5 years! Since then they've reached the final 3 times, winning twice in 2010 & 2011. The shock losses to Sporting Fingal (2009 final) and Monaghan (2012) aside, their record is astonishing. The reigning league champions suffered a blow to their hopes of retaining that title last week in Dundalk so may re-focus their season on regaining the FAI Cup. First up in their way is a Cork City side that have definitely received a bounce from the sacking of Tommy Dunne. As it looks like Cork are safe from relegation, they'll want to add a good cup run for their fans too.
4) Will the top 2 start to dream about a double?
League leaders St Pats and their FAI Cup hoodoo are well known. They've finished top of the league 5 times since their last FAI Cup win in 1961. What adds to the pain for Pats fans is that they always do quite well in the Cup. A win tonight in Bray would see the Saints reach the quarter final stage for the 8th consecutive year. No other club can boast that record. No other clubs' fans think they've no chance of winning the thing. Dundalk fans, on the other hand, never lack self belief. They host a Limerick side they have failed to beat this season. Dundalk are the league's form side so will be expecting another win.
5) Which of the First Division clubs will make the best impression?
The meeting of Finn Harps and Cobh Ramblers ensures at least one representative from the First Division will be in the draw for the Quarter Finals. Harps are in awful form but will still think they have too much for a Cobh side still adjusting to life back in the Airtricity League. Longford Town have to regroup after recent disappointments in the league if they've any chance against Mick Cooke's Drogheda United. Drogs are unbeaten in 6 and have already reached the EA Sports Cup final this season. They'll fancy a trip to the Aviva in November too to break up all their Tallaght cup finals.
The other game sees Shelboune host College Corinthians of the Munster Senior League.
Whatever happens, enjoy the games!
