LOI Preview: Waterford United -v- Galway FC

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United will look to close the gap on visitors Galway FC in the SSE Airtricity League First Division at the RSC on Friday night. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

The Blues are just four points off third-placed Galway, who occupy the play-off spot, despite travelling to Donegal last week and narrowly losing 1-0 to Finn Harps. The Tribesmen’s comprehensive 3-0 defeat at home to Longford Town keeps Tommy Griffin’s Waterford in the hunt and, thus, Friday night’s encounter has even more significance.

Last time out at the RSC the game ended 0-0 and the return fixture in Eamonn Deacy Park saw Galway comfortably run out 2-0 winners.

Griffin reports a clean bill of health for his team and Gary Delaney returns from suspension.

Speaking to the club’s website manager Griffin was full of praise for Galway FC’s squad and he knows his team will have to be at their best to get anything from the league’s form team.

“I was very impressed with them when we played them in Eamonn Deacy Park. In fact I was very impressed with their whole set-up; the buzz around their ground was clearly visible. Tommy [Dunne] and his squad will be very welcome down but we know we will have to be at our very best if we are to gain points.”

GALWAY FC

Tommy Dunne will be looking for a positive response from his players following last Friday’s disappointing defeat to Longford Town. Galway played some good football throughout but The Town defended superbly and took their chances when it mattered.

The Tribesmen remain unbeaten on the road this season and Dunne’s side has scored 14 goals, the most of any team in the league.

Over the past few days there has been a lot player movement in the Galway camp with players coming and going. Recently signed duo Enda Curran and Richard Fahy will both be available for selection. The month of July is set to be a busy one for Dunne.

Dunne also has a few injuries to contend with this week as Ryan Manning is still out with a wrist injury and Alan Murphy has a similar complaint, while Martin Conneely is a doubt with an Achilles injury. Ross Kenny is a long-term injured party and there is no return date penciled in.

Dunne, speaking to the club’s website, knows three points are in Galway’s grasp, but it won’t be easy down in the sunny south east.

“If we can get the win it will be great but we’re under no illusions about how tough it will be against Waterford United.”

Referee: Shane Dunphy

MATCH STATS

Galway FC has scored the most away goals this season.

The Tribesmen are still unbeaten on the road.

Waterford United has last lost two of three league home games.

BETTING

Waterford United 6/4; Draw 9/4; Galway FC 6/4

PREDICTION

Waterford United 1-2 Galway FC

Waterford United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Galway FC

Injured: Ryan Manning, Alan Murphy, Ross Kenny

Doubtful: Martin Conneely

Suspended: None.