Longford Town v Cork City, 7.30pm
RTÉ cameras will be on hand at the City Calling Stadium to broadcast live coverage as Longford hope to cause a major upset and overcome Premier Division champions and defending Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup holders Cork City.
This is the third successive season in which Longford and Cork have been drawn together in the Cup, with the Rebels winning both of the previous games 4-1.
However Cork's form has slipped of late and they suffered their first home defeat of the season to Sligo Rovers last time out as well as drawing with St Patrick's Athletic in the league.
The home side come into the game in excellent form, having won their last five games, including cup wins against Sligo and Shelbourne.
Team news
Longford Town Sam Verdon has been ruled out through injury, while defender Daniel O’Reilly is suspended. Dean Byrne and Jamie Hollywood are also out injured for the home side.
Cork City Cork go into the game without Colm Horgan and Conor McCarthy, while Johnny Dunleavy is a doubt having picked up a knock.
Gaffer talk
John Caulfield (Cork) "Longford are absolutely flying; Neale Fenn has done a great job there. He came in during last season, he has brought in some very good players and they are on a great run. As we know, they have knocked out Sligo and Shelbourne, which shows the quality they have.
"They have some excellent young players, along with some players who have a lot of experience. They have put themselves in the play-offs, with a great opportunity to get promoted. Their form would suggest that, if we don’t play at our best, we won’t go through."
UCD v Waterford, 7.45pm
UCD are closing in on a return to the Premier Division and have a chance to test themselves against last season's promoted side when they take on Waterford.
The Students have had a relatively straight-forward path to the quarter-finals, beating Pike Rovers and CIE Ranch on the way, so Waterford represent a step-up in class.
Watford advanced to the quarter-final after a 1-0 win away to Drogheda United two weeks ago – Bastien Hery scoring the only goal. The previous round saw Alan Reynolds’ side beat Skerries Town 4-1 with Noel Hunt firing a hat-trick.
The Blues' last game saw them suffer a surprise 3-0 defeat to St Patrick's Athletic, a result they'll be eager to bounce back from
Team news
UCD: To follow
Waterford: John Martin and Cory Galvin both returned to training following injury and are in contention to make the squad for Friday’s game. Derek Daly (groin) is also close to a return. Stanley Aborah returned to action last weekend and may feature but Courtney Duffus (illness) and Sander Puri (international duty) miss out.
Gaffer talk
Alan Reynolds (Waterford) "I thought we played quite well against St Pat’s in the first half, played some good football and created some good chances. I felt we needed to take one of them chances when we got them, but we didn’t and St Pat’s took their chances in the second half to win it.
"Second half we just didn’t get going really but we know we need to put in a good 90 minutes this Friday to stay in the Cup. UCD are a very strong side and they’ve shown that this season in a competitive First Division.
"They’re always well organised with Collie O’Neill in charge so we certainly won’t be underestimating the challenge ahead."
Limerick v Dundalk, 7.45pm
Limerick welcome the Premier Division leaders to Markets Field, eyeing an FAI Cup upset to boost their season. A relegation play-off is looking increasingly likely for Limerick and the distraction of the Cup has been a welcome one this season.
The two teams clashed in the league last week and it took a brilliant 81st-minute strike from Michael Duffy to get Dundalk over the line.
Team news
Limerick: Eoin Wearen will miss a number of more weeks for Limerick with a knee injury sustained in the recent FAI Cup win over Cabinteely. Defensively, Kilian Cantwell (groin) and Shaun Kelly (foot) are again doubts for the visit of Dundalk, but Billy Dennehy should return.
Dundalk: Karolis Chvedukas is ruled out with an ankle problem. Sean Hoare returns from suspension after missing last week following his red card against Shamrock Rovers. Jamie McGrath will not take part due to his involvement with the Ireland U21 team.
Gaffer/player talk
Tommy Barrett (Limerick) "We take a lot of encouragement from last week’s game. But Dundalk will come here this week with a different game-plan – they can freshen things up a lot more than us. We were disappointed with the result but, at the same time, I was proud of our display over the 90 minutes.
"It was a good performance. The goal that we conceded was a bit scrappy from our point of view, although it was a good finish from Michael Duffy. But, overall, we played very well.
Brian Gartland (Dundalk) "It’s going to be a tough game for us on Friday again. Limerick are a good side as they have shown and will be hungry to get into the Cup semi-final but we are looking to do the same and we want to get back there.
"We know it’s going to be difficult back down there tomorrow but we are looking forward to it and hopefully we can get the win."
