Galway Utd v St Patrick's Ath (Terryland Park, 7.45)

A repeat of last year's quarterfinal when a second half goal from Eric Lavine was enough to put the then First Division team through at the expense of the National League champions.

"There's a great buzz down here again," says Galway manager Don O'Riordan, "but it's probably fair to say that there isn't quite the same edge to it because we're not in the First Division anymore.

"As it was last year, the league is the priority for us right now but winning creates its own momentum and I'm sure that a win in this game would be a help to us in the league. It would be a terrific boost to the confidence throughout the squad."

Having shown a bit of form of late United will probably not be any more short of confidence than their visitors this evening for it will surely be playing on the minds of the Dubliners that defeat in this game could mean the end of the season.

Pat Dolan will be anxious to build on last week's win, no matter how unimpressive it might have been, and, as most in the home side's camp readily admit, it will be his side who start as favourites.

Neither manager has too much to worry about by way of injuries or suspensions with St Patrick's certain only to be without Trevor Croly (suspended) although there are minor doubts about Colin Hawkins (calf) and Trevor Molloy (hamstring).

O'Riordan must wait on Ollie Keogh whose badly cut hand makes him very doubtful while the recently signed Michael Donnellan is not yet eligible.

Last five years: United: R2, R1, R1, R2, SF; St Patrick's: R1, RU, QF, QF, QF.

Scheduled replay: 7.30 on Jan 11th at Richmond Park.

Betting: Home: 11/4, Draw: 11/5, Away: 5/ 6.

Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

St Francis v Shelbourne (John Hyland Park, 8.0)

A big night for the home side in Baldonnell where Jimmy Harte's side have everything to gain and very little to lose against the cup specialists of the last decade.

However, there are a few problems for Harte to contend with for the game. Ross McNally and Eddie Heavey are both flu victims and look likely to miss out while Stuart Keegan has an ankle problem which makes him extremely doubtful.

On the brighter side, goalkeeper Cathal Warfield appears to have recovered from a knock picked up in a recent match. Shelbourne manager Dermot Keely has been quick to dispel any suggestion that his side might have been taking it easy in the build-up to this match, insisting: "We have prepared for this as if we were playing Cork but the fact is that we are playing a First Division team on a good pitch and so we should win." Garry Haylock (groin) is the only absentee but Jon Powell will provide options up front after returning from a loan spell at Drogheda United.

Last five years: St Francis: DNQ, DNQ, R2, R2, R1; Shelbourne: RU, W, W, RU, SF.

Scheduled replay: 7.30 on Jan 12th at Tolka Park.

Betting: Home: 13/2, Draw: 5/2, Away: 2/5.

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

Athlone Town v Limerick (St Mel's Park, 7.45)

"There's not even the kick of a ball between us," says Limerick manager Tommy Lynch who goes on to point out that "that's because we're both so-so sides".

Given their respective league positions both will be desperate to get some sort of run together in the cup, however, and with Athlone looking to finish it at home and Lynch trying to avoid the tie being decided at Rathbane, it could get lively this evening.

For the visitors Peter Keane (hamstring) and David Dunphy (groin) are out while Ray O'Halloran, goalkeeper Jimmy Fyfe and Lynch himself are all doubtful because of flu. The hosts have difficulties also with Colin Fortune (back) very doubtful and Chris Malone (hamstring) a worry. Adrian Carberry expects to return.

Last five years: Athlone: R1, R2, R1, SF, R1; Limerick: R1, R2, R1, R1, R1. Scheduled replay: 7.30 on Jan 12th at Hogan Park.

Betting: Home: 5/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: 7/4.

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

Drogheda Utd v Bangor Celtic (United Park, 7.45)

Having wrestled manfully against a few of the biggest teams in the country over the last few weeks, Eddie May's Drogheda side get to venture into some new territory this evening when the task will be to put away weaker opposition.

The home side are likely to be unchanged from the starting 11 that performed solidly against St Patrick's without seriously threatening to come from behind but the emphasis, quite obviously will be somewhat more positive.

Bangor Celtic are, however, in rather upbeat form themselves having lost just one of their last 18 games and manager Paul Ennis is hopeful of staging an upset, even if it is only to the extent of bringing United back to the Iveagh Grounds next week.

Last five years: United: R1, R2, QF, R1, R1; Celtic: DNQ, DNQ, DNQ, DNQ, R1.

Scheduled replay: 7.30 on Jan 12th at the Iveagh Grounds.

Betting: Home: 4/7, Draw: 12/5, Away: 9/2.

Referee: E Barr (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power