League Preview: Galway FC -v- Waterford United

GALWAY FC

This Friday sees Galway FC face up to Waterford United for the second time this season. (Kick-off 7.45pm)

With three wins, four draws and two losses, the form of Galway FC since the start of the competitive season across all competitions has been quite sporadic to say the very least.

However, a look at the fortunes of Finn Harps throughout the month of April will serve as a fresh reminder as to just how rapidly everything can change - for better or for worse.

At the beginning of last month, they were top of the league but now they sit below Galway without a win in four.

And despite the Galwegians starting a tad unsure of themselves and off-kilter, they shouldn't be too panicked by their current position; they'll be aware just how capable they are, particularly at home.

And so, with a chance to re-establish themselves as genuine title contenders, manager Tommy Dunne should approach the encounter with the right attitude. He'll be gunning for a victory as he knows just how much of a boost it could be at such a crucial stage in the season.

With a cup tie to be played on Monday against the labouring Finn Harps, two wins in a row would give a great lift to their mentality, and it looks a real possibility.

Since Galway have found their scoring touch – their 4-0 thumping of Cobh Ramblers a real highlight – the men from the West seem a lot more self-assured in their abilities.

And Dunne revealed as much in his pre-match build-up: “I think there will be goals in the next game, though, and it is an important match for both Waterford and ourselves.”

He continued: "We have been a little unlucky in some of our games, but the performance levels haven't been bad and the lads have done everything I have asked of them so far."

WATERFORD UNITED

Only two points separating Waterford United from second-placed Wexford Youths, and in the unlikely event of the Warriors getting beaten by Cobh Ramblers, a win for the Blues would launch them hot on the heels of league-leaders Shelbourne.

Keen to obtain their third win on the trot, they travel to Eamonn Deacy Park this Friday with a huge incentive to go all out for the win.

And having gathered up an impressive total of six clean sheets from their initial eight league matches, they already clearly have the defensive nous to quench any and all attacks that come their way when they're in form.

However, their away record, although not disastrous by any means, suggests that they've lacked a finishing touch having drawn on four occasions on the road. And they only scored in one of those ties – a game they shared the spoils with Shelbourne on a final score of 3-3.

So, it wouldn't be a shock to see them draw a blank in Galway on Friday night.

But, clearly one to stay positive, Blues boss Tommy Griffin is drawing strength from their main weakness: “It won’t be easy on the road but we’re unbeaten away from home this season, with four draws.”

He added: “I think by keeping clean sheets, it’s showing how we’re going to be a tough nut to crack and the lads have been superb at the back and Kevin between the sticks is doing really well for us so in that regard, it’s important and we’re thrilled.”

If they are to get something from the testing trip, it's likely to come from their adaptable utility man Paddy Barrett.

Having scored on three occasions already, he will provide a menacing threat from corners and set-pieces.

Referee: Robert Hennessy

MATCH STATS

The previous meeting between these two sides ended in a scoreless draw at the Regional Sports Centre back in March.

Galway and Waterford share the best defensive record in the league so far this season along with Shebourne and Longford Town, having conceded just five goals.

BETTING

Galway 10/11; Draw 11/5; Waterford 14/5

PREDICTION

With Galway not yet consistent enough against the better teams in the division, this one looks like it could turn into another exasperating draw for both sides. Especially when one considers that a really clinical goal-poacher has yet to establish themselves at either club so far this term. Nonetheless, it should be an exciting affair, especially when one reflects on the sort of attacking game the fans in Waterford bore witness to back in March. A final score of 1-1.

Galway FC

Injuries: Alan Murphy (ankle)

Suspensions: None

Doubtful: Jason Molloy (ankle)

Waterford United

Injuries: Peter White (ankle)

Suspensions: Jack Doherty

Doubtful: None