Saturday
Bangor Celtic v Shelbourne (Richmond Pk, 7.30)
The league leaders will be more or less unchanged for tonight's visit to Richmond Park. Tony McCarthy's knee problem means he will miss out but Pat Scully returns from suspension. Mark Hutchison's strong performances since stepping in for the injured Declan Geoghegan have eased Dermot Keely's concern about the absence of such an established player.
The senior side's management have had a good look at their Leinster League opposition and know what they will be up against but if they play near their potential then they should not have too many problems.
Bangor manager Paul Ennis wouldn't quibble too much with that but he argues that the favourites under-performing on the night and getting a bit of a shock isn't exactly out of the question.
They'll have to do it without injured midfielder Joe Courtney as his knee problem will keep him sidelined while fellow midfielder Gavin Condon and full-back Mick Phillips (both ankle) are doubtful.
Route to third round: Bangor: Beat Drogheda United 1-0 away; Shelbourne: beat St Francis 1-0 away.
Scheduled replay date: Feb 8th at 7.30.
Betting: Home: 7/1, Draw: 7/2, Away: 2/7.
Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).
Longford Town v Finn Harps (7.30)
A tough one this for Harps who might actually benefit in the longer term from going out to Longford this evening even if it would be another blow to their already slightly battered morale. Gavin Dykes sees it differently, however, insisting that his side would relish another cup run and draw the sort of confidence from it that might help them to battle their way out of trouble in the league.
Dykes, James Mulligan and Johnny Kenny (knee, hamstring and ankle respectively) are all doubtful for this game but the player/manager is hopeful that all three will make it. He is less confident about Fergal Harkin or Don Tierney, both of whom are suffering with the flu.
Longford, with the exception of Robbie Coyle, who broke his ankle last weekend, are likely to be at full strength with Evan Creedon or Shay Zellor the most likely replacements for Coyle out wide on the left of midfield.
Route to third round: Longford: Beat Waterford united away in replay; Harps: Beat Home Farm Fingal 2-0 at home.
Scheduled replay date: Feb 8th at 7.45.
Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: 5/4.
Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).
Sunday
Clonmel Twn v Bluebell Utd (2.30)
Having beaten Sligo up at the Showgrounds in the last round a trip to Clonmel might look easy for the Dubliners. Bluebell do, however, start as favourites and they are boosted by the return, since the Sligo game, of club captain Darren Nolan to midfield. Clonmel manager Paddy Ryan will be hoping his side pick up where they left off against Rockmount and while Robbie Boland is thought doubtful for the game he might, like his opposite number, Ken Gibbons, have a full panel to choose from.
Route to third round: Clonmel: Beat Rockmount away in replay; Bluebell: Beat Sligo Rovers 1-0 away.
Scheduled replay date: Feb 13th at 1.30.
Betting: Home: 8/11, Draw: 11/5, Away: 7/2.
Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).
Cork City v Kilkenny City (2.0)
Things are looking a little grim at the back for Dave Barry where the only first team regulars guaranteed to be fit are Greg O'Halloran and Stephen Napier. Dave Hill (cartilage) and Gareth Cronin (suspension) are definitely out but Derek Coughlan, troubled with a back problem, and Declan Daly who is just back jogging again after a few weeks out, hope to be in contention.
Anthony Buckley, like Daly, has done some light training and could figure. Patsy Freyne faces a late test on the hamstring while Noel Mooney (ingrowing toenail) is fit again. The visitors, meanwhile, will be without the suspended Davey Walsh or the cup-tied Roy Fox but Aidan Forde, Niall Keogh and David Breen are all back from suspension. Given the strength of Breen's central defensive partnership with former Cork City man Michael Kerley it seems likely that the pair will be reunited tomorrow. Trevor Vaughan's calf strain is also a problem for Pat Byrne.
Route to third round: Cork: Beat Shamrock Rovers at home in replay; Kilkenny: Beat Dundalk away in penalty shoot out.
Scheduled replay date: Feb 9th at 2.30.
Betting: Home: 2/5, Draw: 11/4, Away: 13/2.
Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).
Fairview Rangers v Bray Wanderers (2.30)
Stephen Fox is the main doubt for the holders ahead of their trip to Limerick. The attacking midfielder, who can also play up front, is suffering with a thigh strain. Alan Byrne is also slightly doubtful due to a hamstring problem but Bray manager Pat Devlin reckons he should be fit to start. For the locals there is a clean bill of health with Dermot Finnan having a full panel to choose from. The Junior Cup holders are likely to test Wanderers but Finnan admits that he needs the likes of Barry Ryan, Jason Purcell and Kevin McCarthy to shine if they are to get a result.
Route to third round: Fairview: Beat College Corinthians away in replay; Bray: Beat Derry City 21 at home in replay.
Scheduled replay date: Feb 9th at 7.30.
Betting: Home: 7/2, Draw: 12/5, Away: 4/6.
Referee: R O'Hanlon (Waterford).
Swilly Rovers v St Mochta's (2.0)
The home side have dished out heavy beatings in their previous two outings and St Mochta's will have their work cut out if they are to contain Danny McConnell's men tomorrow.
But McConnell may be without Brendan McLoughlin who is almost certain to play a gaelic football challenge match for Tyrone and former Derry City man Gary Heaney, doubtful with the flu. Maurice Laverty (back) is also a doubt.
The visitors have a full squad for tomorrow's game and while Eamonn Balfe understandably feels a crack at one of the big names would have been good for his side, nobody is complaining given the prize on offer.
Scheduled replay date: Feb 13th at 1.30.
Betting: Home: 4/7, Draw: 12/5, Away: 9/2.
Referee: S Devanney (Donegal).
Betting courtesy of Paddy Power
