Friendly: Galway FC v Dundalk FC

GALWAY FC

To date, Galway FC have chalked up one win while also recording a loss, and as they continue to play their way through the 2014 pre-season, fans right across the city are beginning to get more of a feel as to what their new club can offer.

Overcoming Sligo Rovers on a score-line of 5-3 when the two sides met at Fahy's Field in Mervue provided Tommy Dunne's men with a dream start, and although they then fell to a 1-0 loss against Limerick FC, the defeat was a narrow one that will nonetheless have instilled them with much hope.

With Dunne still building on his squad and getting to know the strengths and weaknesses of each individual member, the expected line-up is difficult to predict. And with no obvious injury worries present as of yet, the First Division side look healthy and full of optimism ahead of their big clash.

To defeat a Premier Division outfit in an eight goal thriller is a massive coup and a tremendous boost of confidence for the fledgling club and with a hearty display against Limerick accompanying that the signs already look good for the Connacht side.

Speaking to galwayfc.ie ahead of the Dundalk game, Dunne said: “We are playing against one of the favourites for the Premier Division and of course it's a pre-season game but we have got to look at different things ourselves. As in to try out players in different areas and in different systems. Early pre-season games are a bit more experimental in a lot of ways and I think later in pre-season you might get a better idea of what you are talking about - team wise.”

DUNDALK FC

Dundalk will be keen to get their pre-season back on track following what's been a fairly mediocre run to date. Without much to shout about since returning to action following the winter break, the Lilywhites will look to their away trip against Galway as an ideal way to regain confidence.

Of course, they're unlikely to have everything their own way against such an unknown quantity.

A loss against their county rivals Drogheda United in the Jim Malone Cup recently, combined with a heavy 5-1 defeat against English Championship side Barnsley FC has certainly not been the best preparation in the run up to the new season. Sandwiched in between those losses was a 2-0 victory over Wexford Youths.

Speaking to dundalkfc.com ahead of the Louth derby, manager Stephen Kenny had this to say: “Each match is important for fitness now. We’re building towards the 24th of February now and every match between now and then is very important and tomorrow night is no different.”

Clearly, then, the clash at Fahy's Field against Dunne's men will be treated with the same level of preparation as all the other games, so we can expect a lively affair between two sides who already have plenty to prove – albeit for contrasting reasons.

MATCH STATS

Galway manager, Dunne, used to ply his trade for Dundalk during his playing days in the early 90's, making 37 appearances along the way.

Striker Vinny Faherty recently made the move from Dundalk to Galway after helping the Lilywhites to second place in the Premier Division.

When Galway United were in their final season before financial woes hit, it was against Tuesday evening's opposition that they ended their 22-match losing streak when they drew 2-2.

BETTING

Galway 13/2; Draw 3/1; Dundalk 1/3

PREDICTION

Galway will be a tough nut to crack on home soil and should pose Dundalk a few problems, but if Kenny's side play to the level they're capable of, it will be a close match. An entertaining 2-2 draw.

Galway FC injury news: Vinny Faherty (doubtful), Ryan Manning (dead leg) and Noel Varley are all set undergo late fitness tests.

Dundalk FC injury news: Daryl Horgan (doubtful)