FAI Cup preview: Shelbourne and Galway United headline third round as underdogs plot upsets

The third round of the Sports Direct brings seven sides plotting a big upset, while many eyes will be on the only all-Premier Division tie as league leaders Shelbourne host Galway United.

Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick's Athletic and Dundalk are out of the competition as this early stage and leaves the door open for teams in both divisions to bring home.

Apart from the tie in Tolka Park, many of the encounters will have a strong favourite before kick-off.

Galway United have won the the FAI Cup just once in their history.

The draw was not kind to them in this last-16 tie but John Caulfield's record in this competition is very strong.

The Reds have not been firing in their last couple of matches, while United put in a solid display against St Pat's last Sunday.

All three league games have been keenly contested.

Reds boss Damien Duff is wary of United: "They have a brilliant and highly effective style of play. We reviewed it on Thursday morning and touched on it throughout the week. We know how good they are; they've earned respect in this division.

"John and Ollie know this league better than I do; they’re as tough as anyone to face, whether at home or away. We’ve had two big scares at home, and then away we were beaten, and they fully deserved that win. We know how hard this will be; it’s one of the toughest teams in the country.

"We need to be effective at both ends of the pitch. It is a cliché, but it can ring true; in a cup match, form is not important—anything can happen. Before last week’s match, we emphasised no more gifts, but we still conceded two. Impact at the top end matters more than patterns of play and lovely football; that’s the business end of the season."

Just Derry and Cork City of the competition winners in the last