Athlone Town v Galway United

The fact that Athlone striker Eric Lavine is meeting Galway for the first time since they sacked him last month adds spice to this tie at St Mel's Park.

Other connections between the clubs sees Athlone boss Michael O'Connor and midfielder Colin Fortune pitted against respective nephew and first cousin Ronan Frawley who shores up Galway’s defence.

Town defender Ian Rossiter is banned so Brian McCarthy fills in at right-back.

Galway are without striker David O'Dowd (knee), though Mixie Harty and Dave Cooke both return to the squad after ankle injuries.

However, boss Stephen Lally is unlikely to change the starting eleven that beat Monaghan 6-2 last time out.

Bohemians v Waterford Crystal

Newly crowned FAI Junior Cup winners Waterford Crystal plan to enjoy their trip to Dalymount Park.

"Of course there’s a 100/1 chance of causing a shock, but the game is just there to be enjoyed," stressed Brendan Rea, back at the club as a player after his managerial stint at Waterford United last season, though he won't play due to a hamstring strain.

Bohs' young defender Aidan Collins didn’t break his jaw against Shels last week as initially feared, though he’s out tonight having suffered concussion.

Striker Tony Grant (groin) also remains out while player/boss Gareth Farrelly (calf) is a doubt. Jason McGuinness and John Paul Kelly return while Stephen Ward may come back into contention following his ankle injury.

Bray Wanderers v Kildare County

"Any time you play a First Division team or a non-League side, it’s a potential banana skin," says Bray boss Tony McGuirk. "We just have to do our stuff on the night."

Reserve 'keeper Terry Masterson and winger David Tyrrell have been recalled from the Ireland team at the 4-Nations semi-pro tournament in England leaving Ciaran Ryan (groin) as Bray’s chief doubt.

With midfielder Alan Byrne back from suspension, First Division County expect to be at full strength.

"It will be a tough clash and it would probably be easier to have them at Station Road. You never know what may happen - the cup is all about surprises," said County boss John Ryan, who twice won the cup with Bray.

Limerick FC v Drogheda United

"It was a surprise to get them at the same stage for a second year running," said Limerick boss Noel O’Connor in respect of last year’s 2-0 defeat to Drogheda at United Park.

"We’re delighted with a home draw, after that anything else is a bonus. It's particularly good to get the holders," added O’Connor who is without banned midfielder John Lester, a former Drogheda player.

Holders Drogheda have winger James Keddy back following a bout of the flu.

"It's a tricky game, but it was a tricky one when we met them at home last season," said Drogheda boss Paul Doolin. "They are a better side than they were last season, but I'd like to think we're a better side as well. The main thing is that we respect them, which we do."

Longford Town v Cork City

Far from grumbling about drawing another Premier Division side away in the cup, Cork City boss Damien Richardson is happy facing a devil he knows well.

"Sometimes the cup can turn out to be a little bit of an anti-climax if you go into the unknown. So we know what we have to do in Longford," said Richardson.

With right-back Neal Horgan and winger Billy Woods still out with hamstring strains, City go with the squad that lost in Derry last weekend.

John Martin (foot) remains out for Longford who wait on Stephen Paisley, Dean Fitzgerald and Robbie Martin.

Waterford United v Douglas Hall

Douglas Hall skipper Gavin Roche has piled the pressure on Waterford, insisting: "We’re really looking forward to it as we’ve got nothing to lose."

The MSL minnows are relishing their trip to the RSC against a Blues side that has yet to win this season.

"We'll go there and enjoy it. All the pressure is on them because they haven't won a match this season, so their confidence can’t be high," added Roche.

Blues have midfielder Steven Grant is available following exams.

"We've watched them recently and they are a big, strong, physical side," said Blues' boss Mike Kerley. "My players are up for it and it’s down to us get the job done."