Setanta Cup previews

With wins to show for their last three visits to Shelbourne, Derry City have more cause for confidence than most in their position would be entitled to ahead of this evening's vital Setanta Cup game at Tolka Park.

Still, the Northerners know that they have their work cut out with anything short of another victory over Pat Fenlon's side almost certain to end their interest in the all Ireland competition for this year.

"Beating Shelbourne at their home is a tough task," says Stephen Kenny. "There's not many sides capable of doing it but without talking ourselves up, I think we're one of them."

The City manager reckons that, with Pat McCourt having given his side "a new dimension," they are better than this time last year but their fate this evening will depend on the home side's stars at least as much as it will on their own.

Shelbourne have made a slightly erratic start to the season but their win over Glentoran last week provided a timely reminder of their capabilities and with Jason Byrne, who Pat Fenlon insists is still finding his stride this season, scoring five goals in seven games so far, they should certainly test the Derry defence.

A point would do the Dubliners although they need three to be sure of winning the group and thereby securing a home semi-final against Drogheda next Tuesday rather than a trip to Cork 24 hours earlier. City, however, need to win to be sure of their place in the last four.

The hosts have Owen Heary and Colin Hawkins available again while their opponents, who could be without Killian Brennan (hip) again welcome back Sean Hargan from suspension.

In the big Belfast derby game (a dry run for the IFA Cup final after both clubs won their semi-finals over the weekend) Linfield look set to be without Noel Bailie (hamstring) while Oran Kearney is a doubt but Paul McAreavey is available again after missing the Brandywell draw through suspension.

Glentoran, who have Colin Nixon suspended, need a rather unlikely 5-0 win over their rivals to qualify themselves but there seems little question that they will give it everything against their bitter cross city rivals.