Ireland - League Cup 1/6/2010

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[quote]Derry City vs Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers will arrive at the Brandywell on Tuesday night to face Derry City in the EA Sports Cup quarter-finals knowing that their opponent’s First Division status will prove largely irrelevant in deciding who advances to the next stage.

The statistics are eye watering. In fourteen league games Derry have lost only once; conceded just six goals; scored twenty-nine; and are on an unbeaten run of eleven games. Furthermore, in their last seven league games they have kept six clean sheets and scored fourteen times.

James McClean, Stephen Parkhouse, Ruairi Harkin and Seamus Sharkey are all injured. Shane McEleney is still in the Ukraine with the Ireland Under-19 squad. With an eye on Friday's FAI Cup game against Bray and Tuesday's League game away to Athlone, Stephen Kenny is likely use the squad players that featured in the last round. Darren Coyle, Owen Henry and Thomas McBride will be pushing for places in what is bound to be a tough test for the home side.

Gary Twigg comes back into the Shamrock Rovers squad but there are doubts about the fitness of Craig Sives and Sean O’Connor who both picked up knocks in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bohemians.

"We expect to be in for a tough game. But it’s a cup quarter final, and we want to progress", Michael O'Neill said.


Limerick vs Monaghan United

This game is the only match that will ensure a First Division side are in the semi-finals. Monaghan defeated Limerick at the weekend and will look for a repeat result.
Limerick FC are currently joint third in the table with Monaghan and the game promises to be a thriller.

"Another two tough games at home this week, we will need to be on top of our game again to get the results we need. We have a lot of injuries and suspensions at the moment and we are looking for our young side to once again to step up and play as we know they can against two very physical sides", Limerick manager Pat Scully said.

Monaghan United advanced to the quarter Final of the EA Sports Cup with wins over Tullamore Town and Premier Division Champions Bohemians. The game against Bohs was one of the most entertaining affairs ever encountered at Gortakeegan with United advancing after a penalty shoot out. United would be hoping to reach the Semi- Finals but it won’t be an easy task away to Limerick.

Shane Grimes is injured for Monaghan United.



Sligo Rovers vs St. Patrick’s Athletic

Sligo Rovers take on St Patrick’s Athletic following another convincing home victory last weekend, while St Pat's lost to Drogheda. This will be the fourth clash between the two sides this season.

Rovers have already dispatched Letterkenny Rovers 6-0 in the competition. But St. Pat’s will provide a much more difficult test as the top flight’s most prolific goal scorers meet the stingiest defense.

In team news, Matthew Blinkhorn faces a late fitness test. Iarfhlaith Davoren has recovered from his hamstring injury and played an hour against Bray. Mauro Almeida remains sidelined by an Achilles injury.

For St. Patrick’s Athletic, Derek Pender damaged his knee against Drogheda United on Saturday night and is set to miss out. Captain Damian Lynch returned to action on Saturday following a hamstring injury but Brian Cash is out with a thigh strain.

“Obviously Sligo are the form team of the moment, they’re playing at home and they’ll be fully motivated having lost to us in recent matchesâ€