Expert FAI Cup final predictions and football betting tips from Johnny Ward

Where to watch the FAI Cup final

Drogheda United vs Derry City in the FAI Cup final will be shown live on RTE 2 at 3pm on Sunday November 10.

Best bets

Both teams to score
2pts 11-10 general

Colm Whelan first goalscorer
1pt 6-1 general

FAI Cup final predictions

A crowd of around 40,000 is expected at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday as Derry City face Drogheda United in the FAI Cup final and goals look on the cards.

Franz Pierrot and Douglas James-Taylor, on loan from Walsall, give Drogheda a striking partnership to be feared in the League of Ireland. 

However, Kevin Doherty’s men conceded 58 goals in the league – comfortably more than any other side. They came back from behind to edge Wexford 3-2 in a thriller in the semi-final and, given that Derry are full of attacking quality and weather conditions are set to be perfect, we should be in for an exciting encounter.

Derry’s Cup form has served to illustrate how disappointing their league campaign has been. They battered Saint Patrick’s, Shelbourne and Bohemians without conceding and they should win if they perform well. 

But Drogs are no mugs and have improved as the season has gone on. Colm Whelan was a major loss for the Candystripes during a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury but he is fit again now and looks a fine bet at 6-1 to score first. 

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