League Preview: Shamrock Rovers B -v- Galway FC

SHAMROCK ROVERS B

Shamrock Rovers ‘B’ host in-form Galway FC in the SSE Airtricity League First Division at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Rovers B team are sitting pretty much in mid-table, sandwiched between Longford Town and Sunday’s opponents third-placed Galway FC. Another three points would see Colin Hawkins’ troops leapfrog Galway and keep Tony Cousins’ Longford at bay for a while longer.

At Eamon Deacy Park back in March, Rovers were second best on the night but somehow managed to come away from Galway with a point despite the Tribesmen’s dominance of possession and gluttony of goal chances. 

Last weekend Rovers ‘B’ travelled to Ballybofey and secured their maiden away win of the season in a 1-0 victory over Finn Harps. Previously, Rovers had struggled on the road with two defeats and two draws.

Hawkins will be without injured duo Chris Lyons and Conor O’Malley while centre back Mick Kelly is also a doubt. Speaking ahead of the game he said;

“We know that we face a tough task against Galway; they are a very good side. We got a draw against them down in Galway earlier in the season, but we had to fight very hard for that. And they have had some excellent wins lately... but we will go out tomorrow knowing we are capable of getting something from the game, and hopefully there will be a good crowd there tomorrow to cheer the lads on.”

GALWAY FC

Tommy Dunne’s side are going for their third win on the bounce and the Tribesmen have the momentum and class to come away from Tallaght on Sunday afternoon with all three points.

The team is beginning to gel on the pitch, with a largely settled starting eleven, and Dunne has begun to introduce his squad players. Against Finn Harps in last Monday’s 1-0 EA Sports Cup win, Dunne made no fewer than eight changes from the previous Friday night’s 2-0 league win over Waterford United. 

In an environment like this, competition for places heats up and this can only be good for Galway as the season progresses. 

Sunday’s visitors to Tallaght Stadium currently have the best defensive record in the league with only five goals conceded. In their past four games the Tribesmen have kept three clean sheets and, while they haven’t lost on the road, Galway have drawn three from four. 

Rovers ‘B’ on the other hand have one of the worst defensive records with eleven goals shipped and this is the reason an away win is all the more likely.

Speaking to galwayfc.ie Dunne said Sunday’s game will be a tough encounter but Galway are going for the win

“They will provide us with a tough game, we’re hoping that we can go to Tallaght and pick up another three points.”

Referee: Shane Dunphy

MATCH STATS

Galway FC currently has the best defence in league.

The last encounter between the sides ended scoreless.

Both teams are going for three wins in-a-row.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers B 11/4; Draw 11/5; Galway FC 10/11

PREDICTION

Galway FC will be too strong both in attack and defence for Rovers ‘B’.

Shamrock Rovers B 0-1 Galway FC

Shamrock Rovers B

Injured: Chris Lyons, Conor O’Malley
Doubtful: Mick Kelly
Suspended: None

Galway FC

Injured: Alan Murphy, Ross Kenny
Doubtful: Shane McGinty
Suspended: None.