League Preview: Galway United -v- Cabinteely

GALWAY UNITED

After being brushed aside by First Division leaders UCD last Friday night in Belfield, the Tribesmen will be desperate for a good result on Friday night when Cabinteely visit Eamonn Deacy Park (kick-off 7:45pm).

With six games to go, United are four points outside the playoffs and if results go against them this weekend it could effectively end their shot at promotion this season with Alan Murphy’s men still due to play four of the sides currently above them.

Murphy is looking to get three points in the bag on Friday night.

“Last week was frustrating at times,” said United’s manager speaking to his club’s website. “The performance was strong in terms of endeavour and work rate, but weak in terms of ability and possession retention.

“UCD are top of the table for a reason. They’re a good side that have been together for a long time. They play the game in the right way.

“Against Cabinteely, it will be a different challenge for us. They’ve had a few good results coming into the game.

“Last week, perhaps we paid too much attention to UCD. This week, it’s all about our performance and appetite, and our will to win this game at home.

“We have to bring our passing game into it and the onus will be on us to force the game in terms of getting a result and producing a performance with a very high work rate.

“It’s a huge part of the season, there are only six league games left, but I feel there will be a lot and twists and turns yet.



“We have to play the teams above us in the table, so it’s all to play for.”

Captain Ryan Connolly will serve a suspension on Friday night after picking up five yellow cards. Conor Layng and Maurice Nugent are still absent with long term injuries.

CABINTEELY

Pat Devlin’s men have won two games on the bounce coming into Friday’s game and sit just four points behind Galway United. 

It Is highly unlikely the South Dublin side will make a realistic push for the playoffs at this stage but a win against the Tribesmen this week will bring them closer to leapfrogging United and a shot at keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Cabo have racked up some great results against the top teams in the division this season but a lack of consistency in their form has hurt their shot at promotion this season.



They have had no luck against Galway United this year losing twice already. The Tribesmen are a team seemingly devoid of consistency and confidence themselves and Friday night is the perfect time for Cabinteely to take some points off of the West of Ireland side.

Referee:Eoghan O’Shea

MATCH STATS

Galway United are heading for a clean sweep on Friday night against Cabo having defeated them twice already this season.

Cabo have conceded as many goals as they have scored this season in the First Division with 24 each way.

Galway’s Eoin McCormack could edge his way into the top three goal scorers in the division with a goal on Friday night.

BETTING

Galway United 11/17; Draw 3/1; Cabinteely 51/10.

PREDICTION

Galway United 2-1 Cabinteely

Galway United

Injured:Conor Layng, Maurice Nugent.

Doubtful:None.

Suspended:Ryan Connolly.

Cabinteely

Injured:None.

Doubtful:None.

Suspended:None.

 

    About Paul Corcoran

    Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile