St Mochta's vs Dundalk - FAI Cup

The history between St Mochta's and Dundalk lends this FAI Cup fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at Oriel Park on July 17, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. He is expected to miss the Community Shield game against Arsenal and the opening Premier League fixture of the season as a result.

There is little to choose between St Mochta's and Dundalk on paper, and the FAI Cup encounter should reflect that balance. St Mochta's's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. Dundalk will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. Arsenal also saw the importance of having good depth at right-back when Mosquera was forced to start the Champions League final with PSG out of position - which then resulted in the young Spaniard conceding a penalty.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. City also want to continue improving their attack, with a top left-winger still in the offing too.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Forward line just needs to click and will come in time.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. Whatever the outcome, the FAI Cup fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".