Dundalk v Swilly Rvs (7.45)

Both teams are close to full strength for the opening tie of this year's competition. The home side are still without long-term absentee Raymond Campbell but Paul Carlyle - who watched Swilly's Ulster senior league game on Sunday - is back in contention although he will probably have to settle for a place on the bench.

He is likely to be joined there by two from Raymond McCoy, David Ward and Fintan McConville as Jim McLaughlin keeps faith with the team that finished the game at Finn Park a couple of weeks ago.

Peter Withnell seems certain to start after scoring in that game and he will be partnered by Ian Ferguson who makes his home debut with Brian Byrne dropping back into midfield.

The visitors, meanwhile, are still waiting on Martin Doherty who missed the game against Keadue Rovers on Sunday because of knee ligament trouble. The forward is reported to have had a decent training run yesterday, though, and is confident of being fit to start. Michael Elliott, his partner up front, is the top scorer for the club with 12 in the league.

In midfield John Gregg returns after a four-match suspension and he will be hoping to help his club extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 18 games. Dundalk, on the other hand, will hope that the tie produces a repeat of their meeting in 1987 when they won 3-0 and went all the way to the final.

Five-year Cup form - Dundalk: F, 2nd, Q-f, 1st, 2nd; Swilly: Have not qualified.

Betting: Home: 1/6; draw: 4/1; away: 12/1.

Possible replay date: January 14th (2.0). Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.