Having scored 20 of the 24 goals that have seen them win all five of their opening league games in defence of their AUL title this season, the Killester United strike force of David Lacey, David Sheridan and Mick Keogh can give Sligo Rovers plenty to think about in the glamour tie of the round at the Showgrounds tonight. So manager Joey Graydon believes.
Even the absence through injury of key players - central defender Thomas Stanley, junior international winger Andy Fitzsimons and midfielder Seán Treacy - hasn't dampened Graydon's quiet optimism that non-league Killester can do themselves justice against the National League Premier Division side.
"The bookies have us at 14 to 1, so we've absolutely nothing to lose," he said.
"We'll try to settle into the game over the first 20 minutes and see how it pans out," added Graydon, who is confident his side will create chances.
"We'll always carry a threat. We have real speed going forward and our three front players have scored 20 goals between them already this season, which is something many eircom League sides haven't got. That gives us half a chance."
Sligo manager Seán Connor has done his homework, paying Killester the compliment of having them watched three times.
"I can be diplomatic and say the right things, but, listen, we've got the draw every other team in the quarter-finals wanted; we just have to go out and do our business," said Connor, who has full-backs Gavin Peers and Keith Foy and striker Paul McTiernan back from suspension, while midfielder Gary Curran is fit again.
Athlone Town must score against the blue-riband specialists Shamrock Rovers for the first time this season in an all-First Division tie at Buccaneers' Dubarry Park (live TG4, kick-off 7.30pm) if they are to advance to the semi-finals; the Hoops having won all three league games with the Midlanders, scoring seven times without reply.
Athlone may draw some encouragement as Rovers have six players - Andy Myler, Chris Breen, Paul Shiels, Mark O'Brien, David McGill and Derek Pender - cup-tied. Also, Shane Guthrie remains out injured while regular right-back Ger O'Brien and striker Tadhg Purcell have knocks and are unlikely to play. On the plus side, left-back Robbie Clarke returns from suspension.
"It's a big game for Athlone, but a massive one for us," said the Rovers manager, Pat Scully.
"There is huge incentive. If we get through we are only one game away from the final."
Athlone's Alan Kelly is suspended.
UCD have defenders Keith Doyle and Brian Shortall fit again for their trip to face Derry City at the Brandywell tomorrow.
Manager Pete Mahon is short in the middle of the park, however, as Stephen Hurley remains injured, Paul Crowley is cup-tied, and Ronan Finn is suspended.
Derry should be close to full strength, provided midfielder Ciaran Martyn recovers from a slight ankle knock in Thursday's Uefa Cup defeat to PSG in Paris.
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