Ryan Guy will attempt to guide St. Patrick's Athletic into the semi-finals of the FAI Ford Cup when they take on Waterford United, while Chris Konopka could feature for Sporting Fingal against Shamrock Rovers.
Waterford United - St. Patrick's Athletic
It might be a match pitting a Premier Division club against a First Division club, but this cup match will not be an easy one to call.
Waterford, who are currently fourth in the First Division, have home advantage and are doing well with manager Stephen Henderson adopting a counter attack style of play.
After suffering relegation last season, The Blues are aiming to bounce straight back up to the top tier of League of Ireland football and in striker Graham Cummins they have someone who can provide the necessary firepower.
St. Pat's are missing Declan O'Brien for the trip to the RSC as the striker is cup-tied and they have to give late fitness tests to Jamie Harris, Darragh Ryan, and Garreth O'Connor.
With O'Brien unavailable, The Super Saints are likely to favor a strike partnership of Mark Quigley and Glen Fitzpatrick, although Mark Leech is another option to consider.
Guy is expected to keep his place on the right wing as Jeff Kenna's team look to put in a better performance than the one they registered in the previous round against Monaghan United.
Sporting Fingal - Shamrock Rovers
After jumping into second place in the First Division following a draw with UCD, the hope for Sporting fans is that they can carry their league play over into the cup.
Liam Buckley's men will enter this contest as massive underdogs, but that should not deter them as they attempt to topple a team chasing Bohemians for the Premier Division title.
Stephen Paisley, Shaun Maher, and Gary O'Neill are all back to full fitness, which means that Buckley is likely to have a full roster to choose from.
Unless the Dublin club opt to change things around, Konopka will start on the bench and continue to act as back-up to first-choice keeper Darren Quigley.
For Rovers, they are without the suspended midfield duo of Stephen Bradley and Paddy Kavanagh, so their starting eleven is likely to be altered for this game.
Barry Johnston could take Bradley's place in the center, while Tadhg Purcell is favorite to land the wide role that Kavanagh has made his own since joining from Bray Wanderers.
The Hoops may also hand a first start to former Republic of Ireland international Graham Barrett, who signed recently from St. Johnstone in Scotland. |
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