Mervue United -v- Galway FC

MERVUE UNITED

Currently leading the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division and in the middle of their domestic campaign, the Mervue United Junior A side will look upon this tie as a chance to upset the apple cart as well as an opportunity to claim a high profile scalp.

Unbeaten in nine matches since the start of the current campaign, Gary O' Connor's men sit seven points ahead of their nearest competitors NUI Galway.

Having netted an impressive 32 times so far this season, O' Connor's side will be keen to ruffle a few feathers with a glut of strikes on Thursday.

Far from a polished side, it's likely that Mervue's lack of match practice against some of the best teams in Ireland will work against them when Dunne and company line out at Fahy's Field.

Mervue come into the tie at the top of their respective tier, but they recently lost against Dublin side Collinstown in the FAI Junior Cup during the round of 16.

No doubt, all involved will be disappointed they couldn't win the tie, especially considering they've reached the semi-final of that competition twice already.

In relation to the match fitness of Mervue United and how the game could benefit them, Galway supremo Tommy Dunne said: “Local football seems to have been hit quite badly by the weather recently, so I think both sides can get a lot out of this fixture”

GALWAY FC

Overall, it's been quite a satisfying pre-season for all involved at Galway FC.

The majority of their preparation friendlies have gone in their favour and manager Tommy Dunne has assembled a good squad who look ready and able to give any side a run for their money.

Morale-boosting victories over Sligo Rovers, Dundalk FC and Athlone Town underlines just how capable the First Division side are. And although things haven't gone entirely to plan, the matches they have lost have been very narrow affairs.

A 2-1 loss to Sligo at the Showgrounds weeks after their goal-fest win in Galway, and a 1-0 loss against Limerick FC showed Galway's capacity to push nearly any side all the way, despite being on the wrong end of the scoreboard on both occasions.

However, in truth, Thursday's clash with Mervue promises to be a much easier workout in contrast.

Speaking to galwayfc.ie ahead of the tie at Fahy's Field, manager Tommy Dunne had this to say: “I've seen Mervue United play a few times, they are a good side and will be very sharp, because they are in the middle of their season. We are really looking forward to the game.”

However, with the League of Ireland's newest additions already well on their way to full fitness and match sharpness, the contest against Mervue should pose fewer problems than they've already faced.

With the First Division league campaign drawing ever closer and loose ends being tied up and finalised, Dunne announced the full details of his backroom team on Wednesday.

He also spoke a bit about the togetherness and spirit behind the whole club at present saying: “I'm delighted with my backroom team. Everybody is working well together, we are all trying to do the best we can, it has been been difficult with the weather but we have done the best with what we have got and the group have worked really well together.”

MATCH STATS

Galway FC 'keeper Ger Hanley has had two stints plying his trade in Mervue colours having joined them in 2010 and again in 2012.

Twenty-two year old Galway FC defender Mike Elwood has also had a spell at Mervue, playing for the senior squad after coming through their youth development.

Galway go into their clash against Mervue having won three and lost two of their pre-season friendlies.

Mervue remain unbeaten in their league having won seven and drawn two.

BETTING

Galway are 4/1 to win the League of Ireland First Division outright.

PREDICTION

The likelihood is that Galway will win this tie, and by right they should do so with ease.

That said, Mervue will be keen to bounce back from their recent cup defeat and do have home advantage on their side, so they will be hoping to provide Galway with a real test.

Nonetheless, Dunne's Terryland outfit should have too much class in their locker, and combining that with their high confidence after what's been a rather successful pre-season to date, they should rattle the net a few times.

It promises to be another good workout. With the season just over a week away and with Galway FC, keen to get as much out of every contest, they will win. Don't be surprised with a 3-0 final score.

Galway FC injury news: Marc Ludden (groin), Alan Murphy (ankle) and Vinny Faherty (knee) will all miss the Mervue match. Meanwhile, Alex Byrne (back injury) is doubtful.

Mervue United injury news: Derek McWalter (head injury) may not be risked for the tie.