League Preview: Galway FC -v- Wexford Youths

GALWAY FC

Having played four away matches on the trot, Galway FC make the long-awaited return to Eamonn Deacy Park this Friday to face Wexford Youths (kick-off is at 7:45 pm).

With just a point separating the two sides, there's plenty for both sets of fans to get excited about as a win for either team would really get the juices flowing before the mid-season break kicks in.

Some excellent results of late has seen the west's new boys leap from an underachieving, yet promising outfit into a side who look more than capable of wrestling top spot from Shelbourne's clutches.

Big victories against Cobh Ramblers, Shelbourne as well as against UCD in the FAI Cup have seen Tommy Dunne's men really shift up a gear – and although they suffered the heartbreak of getting eliminated from the EA Sports Cup by Youths, they'll be keen to keep the momentum going.

Speaking ahead of the match, Dunne reiterated exactly how focused his side, as a group, are on winning, saying: “The boys are wanting to play and perform and get better. There is competition for places, we want to win matches, if we're going to play, we've got to play with a purpose, it's all about winning.”

He added: "We're playing on the best surface in Ireland. I know teams will come and set up to weather the storm against us and hit us on the break, we have to be aware and accept that.
 

"We want to be hungry, after being on the road for so long, it's a nice change to be at home so hopefully we can get the three points and put in a good performance which is the most important thing."

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Drawing the curtain on the first half of their season at Eamonn Deacy Park, Youths will be out to give themselves something to celebrate during the much-welcomed domestic break.

Welcoming back the trio of Stephen Last, Dean Broaders and Daragh Walshe they've received a timely boost.

And with just one point separating fifth from second place, it's already become quite congested in the First Division league table.

A win away from home would obviously be a welcome gift for either side, and yet with a game in hand over both Galway and Shelbourne, Shane Keegan's charges wouldn't be too disappointed with a share of the spoils on the night.

Ahead of the tie, the Youths boss let his feelings known about just how pleased he's been with his players of late: “We played some fantastic football last weekend and fully deserved the result and now the challenge is to carry those performance levels into Friday night's game. If we do that, we'll have every chance of taking something from the game.”

Make no mistake, this has all the hallmarks of being a tight contest between two sides desperate for a win and promises to be an enthralling affair – exactly the kind of battle to captivate spectators' imaginations heading into the scheduled break.

Referee: Ray Matthews

BETTING

Galway 8/11; Draw 12/5; Wexford 7/2

MATCH STATS

The last time these sides met, nothing could separate them after extra-time in the EA Sports Cup, but Wexford would go on to win it 4-3 on spot-kicks.

When Dunne's charges travelled to Ferrycarrig Park earlier this season, it was the returning Ryan Manning that proved vital as Galway stole three points on the road – a favour Youths will set out to repay this Friday evening.

While playing four games in a row away from home, the Galwegians have found their scoring touch; netting 13 goals on the road.

PREDICTION

Both sides will welcome the break in play as it's been a hectic few eeks, but they'll be prepared to go out with a bang. A feisty 2-2 draw.

Galway FC

Injuries: Alan Murphy

Doubtful: Ross Kenny (knee), Jason Molloy (calf)

Suspensions: None

Wexford Youths

Injuries: Shane Nolan, Craig McCabe (quad) & Ricky Fox.

Doubtful: None.

Suspensions: Aidan Keenan