FAI Cup Preview: Drogheda United -v- Derry City

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United will be looking to stun Premier Division Derry City this weekend in the second round of the FAI Cup (kick-off is at 5pm on Saturday).

The Boynesiders head into the game off the back of a three-nil win away to Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park.

Mark Doyle, Stephen Meaney and Hugh Douglas all netted for Tim Clancy’s side who produced a strong second half display to see of the Slaneysiders.

The result saw Drogheda move to within two points of league leaders Cabinteely – and goalscorer Doyle is hoping that they can bring that form and performance into Saturday’s cup tie against Derry.

“(It was) a great win,” Doyle explained to his club’s media team. “It’s not the easiest place to go. I thought we played well throughout, we were solid and obviously getting the goal just after half time was a plus.

“A home draw is always good, and it is good to get a Premier Division team. We will give it a good go and see where we are in terms of playing against Derry who are in Europe and are obviously a strong team.”

In terms of team news for Drogheda, Luke Heeney and Luca Gratzer are both expected to miss out through injury.

Winger Adam Wixted is expected to continue his return from injury while under-19 midfielder Frank Cabraley is also in line to feature after making his debut last week.

DERRY CITY

After exiting the Europa League qualifiers in disappointing fashion, Derry City will be looking to bounce back this weekend in the FAI Cup when they take on Drogheda United.

The Candystripes were defeated by three goals to two after extra-time despite largely appearing in control of the game.

“We have to put Tuesday behind us and move on,” Devine told his club’s media team. “It was a missed opportunity for sure but we go again on Saturday against a very good Drogheda side.

“We badly missed Walter Figueira and Jack Malone in midweek but both lads had felt their hamstrings in training, and we can’t take any chances with those.

“If they had played and aggravated the injury, we could have lost them for most of the rest of the season. It’s far too big of a risk.”

Devine added: “I’m confident Walter and Jack will both be available for Saturday and of course Cameron McJannet comes into the equation having sat out his quarantine.

“Paddy McCourt and I went to watch Drogheda recently ahead of this tie and we were very impressed with them.

“They have players who are Premier Division standard and we will have to work very hard to make it through to the next round.”

Referee: Derek Tomney.

MATCH STATS

Drogheda United are unbeaten in their previous six league games – with their last defeat coming against Longford Town in February.

Derry City won the last game between the teams in the FAI Cup, coming out on top with a 2-1 over the Boynesiders in a 2016 replay.

The Boynesiders have not defeated the Candystripes in their previous five attempts, losing three and drawing twice.

BETTING

Drogheda United 11/4; Draw 12/5; Derry City 5/6.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1 - 0 Derry City

Drogheda United

Injured: Luke Heeney, Luca Gratzer.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: Ally Gilchrist.

Doubtful: Jack Malone, Walter Figueira, Conor Clifford.

Suspended: None.