League Cup Predictions

So how's this one going to pan out. Derry at home in front of a packed house, 6,000 Derry Supporters, 500 (or so) Bohs supporters. Derry have nothing to play for in the league and are out of the FAI Cup, this represents their only chance of silverware and a shot at the important Setanta Cup next year.

It's been years since Bohs went to the Brandywell and won a game. We will be bouyed by a good away travelling support who will make noise. Fresh from some good form and a great Cup record, will it be enough to turn Derry over at fortress Brandywell?

Me? I reckon extra time for this one. Wouldn't like to call it after that.

Thoughts?

It'll be a good game IMO. On Friday we were missing the most important part of our team, the spine. Coming back inot the side are Ken Oman, Barry Molloy, Ciaran Martyn, Kevin McHugh. The team we fielded in Friday was OK but a few of them need shipping out.

We are on a poor run but injuries have really hampered us the past few weeks and with 9 out on Friday, we were always going to struggle, even against a team languishing no disrespect intended.

Bohs on the other hand are in rich vain of form, we need to keep JP Kelly at bay IMO if we are to beat you. He seems to be the link between your attackers and Midfield.

Our likely team for Tuesday night

Jennings

McCallion Hutton Oman Brennan

McGlynn Martyn Molloy McCourt

McHugh Farren

Only Hutton and Farren of that spine played on Friday. Its our last chance of a trophy this season and last chance for qualification to the Setanta. Its all we have to play for, whereas Bohs still have the FAI Cup. It will be close but I fancy us to nick it in ET

I'd say our team will be something like:

----------------Murphy----------------
Heary---Burns--McGuinness--Byrne
McCann---Hunt---O'Donnell---Joxer
-----------Crowe--Mansaram-------

Although Connor played Powell on Friday night against Pat's and could as easily stick with him. Also Turner played on the left and Joxer was on the bench.

Another alternative would be to play Turner and O'Donnell in the centre and leave Hunt on the bench.

If we play like we have been doing in the cups then I'd have some confidence alright, but we are away and our away record ain't the best.

Derry are on poor form but are the Cup specialists. Neither team has shown much in front of goal this season (only a goal a game). Think it'll be a tight, poor enough game to be honest, with Derry squeaking a 1-0 win. Hope I'm wrong, but it's far from a vintage squad for either team.

i would go for a bohs 1-0 win they are playin great football at the moment if ucd can win in the brandywell so can bohs!

2-1 to Derry.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CharlesThompson

will it be enough to turn Derry over at fortress Brandywell?

---

I don't think it's been anything like a fortress this year but I'm still betting on Derry for 3 in a row

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by derrymac

I don't think it's been anything like a fortress this year but I'm still betting on Derry for 3 in a row

---

Agreed. Don't think anyones been particularly fearful of travelling to the Brandywell this year. Last time we had a home record like this years we were in a relegation play-off - think that sums this season up perfectly.

I'd expect Derry to raise their game for this, but so far this season it's been a case of expect the unexpected.

It'll be close, there'll be 1 goal in it at the end of 90, if not it'll be penos. Just hope its us with the that 1 goal :o .

IF (and a big IF) we win it, and Harps win the 1st, the Setanta play-off WILL be the biggest match of the year.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CharlesThompson

I'd say our team will be something like:

----------------Murphy----------------
Heary---Burns--McGuinness--Byrne
McCann---Hunt---O'Donnell---Joxer
-----------Crowe--Mansaram-------

Although Connor played Powell on Friday night against Pat's and could as easily stick with him. Also Turner played on the left and Joxer was on the bench.

Another alternative would be to play Turner and O'Donnell in the centre and leave Hunt on the bench.

If we play like we have been doing in the cups then I'd have some confidence alright, but we are away and our away record ain't the best.

---

Turner's cup-tied for this one.

I think it should be a good game, both teams really want this. I hope it's Bohs that win.

This is my last sober action of the day! Just about to walk out of work and head Dalymount way. Yipee!

I'd go for Bohs myself. Much better form coming into the game. Home support will help Derry of course, but I'd go for 2-1 Bohs.

going to go for a bohs 1-0 win, crowe to get the goal

bohs to win AET 2-1 mansaram and mccann! farren for derry

So much, unfortunately, depends on the ref. If he's in any way a homer, we're done for. If not, we have a chance.
Either way, it's ludicrous that a cup final should be settled with one team at home.

Derry because of home advantage

Think Derry might shade it at home.

Live on Setanta Irealand from 7.30.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by onceahoop

Think Derry might shade it at home.

Live on Setanta Irealand from 7.30.

---

Unfortunately I would be inclined to agree.We have a woeful record against Derry in the Brandywell and despite our recent good form and the recent questionable form of Derry the cup is a totally different ball game.

Anyone know who is reffing?Agree with point made above re homer refs.I'm sure he will have a certain level of pressure put on him by 6,000 locals on any contentious calls which may sway him.

Not that confident but hopefully I will be proven wrong.

Special metion to Dan McDonnell for his article in today's Indo which questions the sanity of the tosser's in the FAI behind the scheduling of the fixture.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by btid1

Anyone know who is reffing?Agree with point made above re homer refs.I'm sure he will have a certain level of pressure put on him by 6,000 locals on any contentious calls which may sway him.

Not that confident but hopefully I will be proven wrong.

Special metion to Dan McDonnell for his article in today's Indo which questions the sanity of the tosser's in the FAI behind the scheduling of the fixture.

---

There hasn't been a referee who has come to the Brandywell as a homer. I reckon they enjoy annoying the hell out of the locals in this league. Remember last year's final? The ref certainly made life difficult for us.

As for Dan McDonnel, was he complaining the last two years about the fixture and its schedule? If I recall correctly the League Cup Final has always been a midweek affair.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lofty9

There hasn't been a referee who has come to the Brandywell as a homer.

---

Couldnt agree with that.I have seen a few down the years!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lofty9

As for Dan McDonnel, was he complaining the last two years about the fixture and its schedule?

---

Do you not think he has a point?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lofty9

If I recall correctly the League Cup Final has always been a midweek affair

---

Doesnt help the profile of the competition one bit!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by btid1

Couldnt agree with that.I have seen a few down the years!

Do you not think he has a point?

Doesnt help the profile of the competition one bit!

---

In all my years I have yet to see a homer at the Brandy - they have just been awful to both teams.

Of course he has a point, your preaching to the converted, I'm sure you can appreciate the travelling involved by ourselves over the years for this competition. It's just that he must be a Bohs fan when he complains about it now;).

I'm happy enough with it's profile now that Setanta have added their support to the final for the last 3 years. Would like a weekend final though.