Dundalk poised for cup final flourish against title rivals

RTE2, 3.30pm Sunday

Dundalk can end Cork City's double dreams and lift the FAI Cup for the second time in three years.

The two teams who have been first or second in four league campaigns on the bounce are meeting in the decider of this knockout competition for the third year running. And if head-to-heads are a guide, Cork should win.

The Rebels, it could be argued, won the league this season because they took seven points from their three games against Dundalk. However, their record in the league since Sean Maguire left tells a story: 15 points out of a possible 36. Prior to that, they had 61 out of a possible 63.

The balance of their team has been upset and, to make matters worse, Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny has basically admitted that the Lilywhites are signing Karl Sheppard, which is a disaster considering he is now the focal point in Cork's attack – albeit struggling for form – since Maguire joined Preston.

Dundalk ended the season looking by far the best team in the league, but the question is whether Patrick McEleney can show what he can do in this game. He has been stymied so far by City but that may not last forever.

Dundalk look a big price to lift the trophy. There are too many questions about City going into what should be a feisty affair at Lansdowne Road.

Recommendation
Dundalk to win the FAI Cup
3pts 8-11 bet365

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