FAI Cup Preview: Galway United -v- Shelbourne

GALWAY UNITED

It’s the dawn of a new era at Eamonn Deacy Park with John Caulfield taking over from Alan Murphy last week.

Friday sees Caulfield take charge of The Tribesmen for the first time when they take the field in the FAI Cup against Shelbourne in Galway (kick-off 7.45pm).

The former Cork City boss watched on from the stands as his new team drew 0-0 with Bray Wanderers in the First Division last week, they have now gone eight games without a league win this season.

Premier Division side Shelbourne pose a real challenge for a side that is in a miserable run of form all year but the new manager is happy to have the focus away from the League campaign for now.

“I’m very happy with how the players have trained this week, they’ve been working very hard,” Caulfield said, speaking to the club’s website.

“We’re looking forward to a break from the league campaign and we’re playing against one of the top sides in the Premier Division, who had an excellent result against Shamrock Rovers last week.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to pit ourselves against a quality team.

“From our point of view, the players have prepared well and I’m looking for them to take the shackles off and show what they can do against Shelbourne.”

In terms of injuries, Caulfield has inherited a long list of absentees with Joshua Smith, Cian Murphy, Conor Melody, Micheál Schlingermann, Alberto Cabanyes, Killian Brouder all sidelined.

Enda Curran returned from injury to make a substitute appearance against Bray Wanderers last week but the striker is a doubt this week, along with Vinny Faherty and Kevin Farragher.

SHELBOURNE

The Reds will be hoping to knit together a decent FAI Cup run this season and progress against Galway United will mean a first quarter-final for Ian Morris’ side since 2013.

Shelbourne might be in mixed form since the re-started Premier Division campaign but they will be buoyed by recent draws with Derry City and Shamrock Rovers.

Currently sitting in seventh in the Premier Division, but by no means safe from relegation, the Dublin side will be looking to get back to winning ways against First Division Galway, having not won in their last three attempts.

Shels will fancy their chances on Friday night with the club having won all six meetings with Galway over the past two seasons.

Referee: Damien MacGraith

MATCH STATS

Shelbourne have an opportunity to progress to an FAI Cup quarter-final for the first time since 2013.

Galway United have not beaten Shelbourne since October 2014 when The Tribesmen defeated the Dublin side in the Promotion Playoff semi-final.

Shelbourne have won all six of the previous meetings between the sides.

BETTING

Galway United 5/1; Draw 11/4; Shelbourne 4/9.

PREDICTION

Galway United 0–2 Shelbourne

Galway United

Injured: Joshua Smith, Cian Murphy, Conor Melody, Micheál Schlingermann, Alberto Cabanyes, Killian Brouder.

Doubtful: Enda Curran, Vinny Faherty, Kevin Farragher.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.