FAI Cup preview: Dundalk look for upset against Sligo
The second round draw threw up an anomaly of no all-Premier ties, with seven teams from the top flight paired with non-league sides, and just one will play outside their home venue.
Given the strength of the Premier sides against out of the season junior and intermediate sides, it would take a shock of epic proportions for even one of the septet to be eliminated.
The tie of the round is undoubtedly First Division leaders Dundalk hosting a rapidly improving Sligo Rovers side battling for survival in the league.
The Lilywhites may have dropped down a tier, but their pedigree in the competition is unquestionable amid a 17-match unbeaten FAI Cup run at Oriel Park.
Ciaran Kilduff has done an impressive job in taking a young squad to the top of the league, despite a couple of defeats recently.
For Sligo, they have turned a deficit to second from bottom Cork City into an eight-point advantage over the Rebels inside the last month.
John Russell's side still occupy the play-off position, yet they have clawed the gap on Galway United back to just six points thanks to 11 points from a possible 18.
Bigger games await for the Lilywhites and the Bit O' Red in far more important league matters, yet the Cup can certainly build momentum for the teams.
It isn't beyond the realms of possibility this could be a preview of a possible promotion play-off, although both have greater ambitions as it stands.
Dundalk boss Ciaran Kilduff is excited by testing themselves against Sligo: "We're all really looking forward to the game. The lads are motivated and excited for the opportunity to test ourselves against a Premier Division side.
"We know it's going to be a big challenge, but it's also a big occasion at Oriel and we want to rise to that. Everyone's focused and ready to put on a good performance for the supporters."
Russell feels it will be similar to a Premier Division clash: "They've had a really impressive season so far"
"Of course, as the team who came down from the Premier, they will be the favourites to go back up but that comes with a lot of pressure.
"Ciaran Kilduff has done such a great job over there and they'll be looking for a scalp on Friday.
"They have experience in their squad and have plenty of players with Premier Division quality and experience. So there will certainly be no gulf in standard between the teams."
Shamrock Rovers have been on the sidelines due to the promotion to the second round of the UEFA Conference League.
A friendly with Glenavon helped fill their schedule last week and a home match with Wexford tonight is a final clash before they take on St Joseph's of Gibraltar next week.
Wexford, managed by former Republic of Ireland international striker Stephen Elliott, have fallen behind in their own bid to get a play-off spot.
They travel to Tallaght knowing it will take their very best to make it a competitive encounter.
John McGovern is likely to make a competitive debut for the Hoops.
Stephen Bradley feels it is a big opportunity to go far in the Cup this campaign: It's definitely a competition we want to go far in. This is the first time in a long time that we've got a home draw in the FAI Cup without having an away European game before it, which has caught us the last few years.
"So this is the first time we haven't had that, which is really good and it gives us a chance to really go and attack it. And that's what we'll do tonight."
Derry City will make the long journey to Limerick as they face Treaty United at the Market's Field.
City suffered a setback in losing to Sligo last Saturday. They remain in the hunt for a league challenge or at least a European finish.
They last met in the Cup in a semi-final in 2022 when City came out on top as they went on to lift the trophy.
Last year's beaten finalists, they have proven a hard nut to crack in the Cup in the last few editions.
Holders Drogheda United begin their defence of the competition at home to one of the stronger non-league sides in Crumlin United.
Attention on Saturday will be on Cork City as they face a 12pm kick-off against Leicester Celtic.
With just one win in their last 22 in the league, things are looking bleak at Turner's Cross.
A sparse crowd will be present as Ger Nash seeks a first victory since taking over the club.
Leicester Celtic, a former club of Damien Duff during his playing days, are based in Rathfarnham.
Shelbourne will take a break from their European commitments for a trip to Limerick to take on Fairview Rangers.
Two ties take place on Sunday, with Castlebar Celtic hoping to beat First Division strugglers Longford Town.
Stephen Kenny's St Patrick's Athletic host Cork side UCC to complete the round.
Friday, 18 July – 7.45pm unless stated
Bray Wanderers v Wayside Celtic, Carlisle Grounds
Drogheda United v Crumlin United, Sullivan and Lambe Park
Dundalk v Sligo Rovers, Oriel Park
Finn Harps v UCD, Finn Park
Galway United v Tolka Rovers, Eamonn Deacy Park
Kerry v Athlone Town, Mounthawk Park
Killester Donnycarney v Bohemians, Dalymount Park
Treaty United v Derry City, Markets Field
Waterford v St. Mochta's, the RSC
Shamrock Rovers v Wexford, Tallaght Stadium 8pm
Saturday, 19 July
Cork City v Leicester Celtic, Turner's Cross, 12pm
Salthill Devon v St. Michael's, Drom – 2pm
Bangor Celtic v Cobh Ramblers, Transport Club – 3pm
Fairview Rangers v Shelbourne, Singland Park – 6pm
Sunday, 20 July
Castlebar Celtic v Longford Town, Celtic Park - 5pm
St. Patrick's Athletic v UCC, Richmond Park - 6pm
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