- Drogheda's recent form has been mixed in all competitions, with a 1-1-3 record from their last 5 competitive games.
- Lucan United hammered UCC 5-2 in the FAI Cup first round and took the Metropolitan Cup in May, so they will arrive with momentum.
- Mark Doyle is Drogheda's main spark and a reliable out-ball, but they have other options in the final third and are likely to have too much quality for Lucan.
Drop down for FAI Cup date
Drogheda United are a 19/100 shot to see off Lucan United in this FAI Cup 2026 second-round fixture and the gulf in league quality between these teams does suggest that the League of Ireland Premier Division outfit will win.
Lucan United, who beat UCC 5-2 in the first round, are priced at 79/10 to win and the draw is 11/2, but we see no reason to go against the odds and will have to look elsewhere for a value bet.
Drogheda can win on Friday but in their current mood they may not be able to do so with the sort of ease that their odds suggest. Kevin Doherty has set his team up pragmatically to play and they don't do anything fancy on the ball, but it works because they are compact, have set-piece threat and can break with pace.
Hosts can win without conceding
Conor Keeley and Conor Kane are key to tightening the back line, which has been too easy to crack this season. They usually operate in a 4-4-2 system, but it's defence first for the Reds and Lucan will probably be more cautious here, looking to get forward with purpose when they can.
Lucan have plenty of attacking talent and Keith Baker has them well drilled, so this should be a tough match for them, but we will take the Drogheda side to edge it over 90 minutes with a 2-0 or 3-0 win looking most likely.
The fact they won 2-1 at Dundalk a few weeks ago shows they can still do some damage on the road. Mark Doyle is their main spark and goal threat, but Agbo Babatunde can get off the shoulder well and has pace to challenge a lower-level defence. Marco Chindea has the quality to finish if he gets the big chance and will be looking for his opportunity.
