FAI Cup predictions, free football betting tips and analysis

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the weekend FAI Cup matches.

When to bet by

7.45pm Friday

Best bets

Shamrock Rovers to win FAI Cup
3pts each-way 11-4 BoyleSports

St Patrick's (3-10), Shamrock (2-9), Longford (4-9), Shelbourne (evens), Waterford (evens) accumulator
2pts Paddy Power

FAI Cup preview

FAI Cup holders Dundalk face a tricky tie against league newcomers Treaty United in the first round of this year's competition.

Shamrock Rovers lifted the cup in 2019 but were turned over in extra-time in last year's decider by Dundalk in a largely forgettable final in part due to the absence of supporters.

Rovers are fighting a few battles this season but they will be taking this competition seriously and they have a massive chance of regaining the trophy.

The Hoops have started to click into gear this month, with significantly improved performances in victories over Slovan Bratislava and in Derry.

On the evidence of their 4-2 win over Derry last week, Rovers should win the league and they could easily find themselves in a cup final without having two difficult games.

Dylan Watts, Joey O'Brien and Sean Kavanagh have all returned to fitness for Rovers and Richie Towell has scored in their last two games. Graham Burke was sensational against Derry, too.

The biggest tie of the first round is arguably Drogheda's meeting with Derry on Saturday. Neither of the sides have much chance of making Europe via the league so the cup will be a big deal to them.

There are several apparent mismatches this weekend. St Patrick's Athletic, Shamrock Rovers and Longford Town should win without too much bother, while Shelbourne (even money at UCD) and Waterford (evens at Athlone) are worth adding in to make an accumulator that pays better than 7-1.

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