Making a dollar from the Quarters

IRISH CUP QUARTER FINALS

Dungannon Swifts v Armagh City

The Swifts haven't won a match since they accounted for Newry City in the last round of the JJB Sports Cup; the same applies to Friday night's opponents Armagh City. Stephen Hyndes is out for the Eagles. Both sides are struggling to produce their best form, and as this competition represents their last realistic chance of silverware this season it's all to play for. Shane McCabe definitely sits this one out for the home side; result rather than performance is what counts in the Cup, regardless of what Harry Fay says.

4/6 Dungannon
12/5 Draw
7/2 Armagh

Recent meetings:
Armagh City 0-1 Dungannon Swifts Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 11 Nov 06

Armagh City 2-0 Dungannon Swifts CIS Insurance Cup 06/07 16 Sep 06

Dungannon Swifts 2-0 Armagh City CIS Insurance Cup 06/07 25 Aug 06



Ballymena United v Linfield

Since a disappointing defeat at Glenavon early in January Ballymena have gotten their act together. Still, Tommy Wright's men will need to be at the pinnacle of their abilities if they are to dislodge the holders. They'll also need to score against the Blues, something they haven't managed in two meetings this season. Gary Haveron returns to bring the squad up to full strength. Linfield meanwhile, are flying high on the back of seven consecutive victories; not least of those, their hugely impressive performance in Drogheda last Monday. Success comes at a price for the Blues, with Tim McCann definitely out, Timmy Adamson and Pat McShane unavailable; Paul McAreavey is doubtful and Conor Downey is cup-tied. Can't back against Linfield here.

11/2 Ballymena
12/5 Draw
1/2 Linfield

Recent meetings:
Linfield 2-0 Ballymena United Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 17 Feb 06

Ballymena United 0-0 Linfield Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 21 Oct 06

Cliftonville v Portadown

There has been nothing between this pair thus far, although Cliftonville's non-involvement in the Setanta Cup should stand them in good stead against what may be a leggy Ports eleven. Ronnie McFall's men will find it difficult to ignore the fact that they have another tough encounter on Monday night. Skipper John Convery is out, and Philip Craig remains doubtful. With Gareth McKeown cup-tied, the squad is being stretched a bit at Shamrock Park. While Micky Collins is an able deputy in defence, Ports invariably miss his midfield presence - Ronnie's call. The Solitude side haven't conceded a goal since Larne put two past John Connolly in the previous round. Reds captain, Liam Fleming, sits this one out while Chris Scannell is still injured. The draw is perhaps the best bet here but I'll keep my powder dry.

5/4 Cliftonville
2/1 Draw
2/1 Portadown

Recent meetings:
Portadown 2-2 Cliftonville Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 1 Jan 07

Cliftonville 0-0 Portadown Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 30 Sep 06

Lisburn Distillery v Crusaders

Again, two sides who have proven to be inseperable are drawn together in a tasty cup-tie. A single point between them in the table; both lost two of their last six league games; similar goalscoring records. The Whites have a better defensive record, courtesy of Crusaders' profligacy whenever they lose at home. David Rainey and Colin Coates are suspended for the Hatchetmen, who have Chris Morrow back after his 4 game suspension. Andy Kilmartin is suspended for the home side, who should have Paul Muir and Ryan McCann back in harness for this vital game. I fancy Lisburn for the win, but won't bet until a better price presents itself.

6/5 Lisburn
11/5 Draw
15/8 Crusaders

Recent meetings:
Crusaders 1-1 Lisburn Distillery Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 17 Feb 07

Lisburn Distillery 1-1 Crusaders Carnegie Premier League 2006/07 21 Oct 06