League Preview: Galway FC -v- Waterford United

GALWAY FC

Following three games on the trot playing away from home, Galway FC make a welcome return to Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday where they play host to Waterford United (kick-off is at 7:45 pm).

With just one point separating them from fourth-placed Youths, Galway have a slight advantage for now in the hunt for a play-off spot, but the importance of grabbing a win against Waterford is not to be underestimated. And speaking ahead of the game, Dunne confirmed that desire.

"It's a home game. We will approach it like any other, we want to win. We had two relatively good performances in the League and Cup recently, albeit we lost in the Cup, but that could have went differently if a few things went our way.

"Overall, I'm pleased with how things are shaping up. We're looking forward to Waterford coming to town. We know it will be tough, but we hope we will have a bit more strength and desire going into the game.”

And in an exclusive interview with Extratime.ie, star goal-scorer Jake Keegan also spoke of the team's desire to make one final push towards nabbing the crucial play-off spot.

“Before we play Shelbourne and Wexford - the last two - we have Waterford, Finn Harps, Rovers and then Cobh. So, if we can pick up the maximum in that, maybe we can be in a position where, if Wexford drops a game, there wouldn't be a must-win in the last game of the season. It would be a definite positive.”

WATERFORD UNITED

Third from bottom in the First Division standings, fans of the Blues haven't had the most memorable of seasons.

But they'll be keen to cause a shock this Friday and add to a poor points tally when they travel west for the final time of the campaign.

Inspiring football hasn't been the order of the day so far this term, reflected in their top league scorer, Willie John Kiely grabbing just four goals.

But the former Aberdeen striker is their most potent threat and might just steal a goal if he hits top gear and gets some decent service.

But for now, it's a case of Tommy Griffin's men doing their best to improve on the basics during the final stretch, because they'll probably already have their eyes set on next term.

Speaking ahead of the tie, the Blues' boss did his best to rally his troops.

“All we can do is work hard on the training ground and hopefully we can get some players back that will help turn this around for us. We’ve a lot of injuries at the moment, but we can’t make excuses either. The lads know that they have to be honest with their work rate on the pitch. They are young and want to play.”

Referee: John McLoughlin

MATCH STATS

Waterford are enduring a miserable spell of eight league ties without victory, something that has seen any faint hopes they harboured of promotion slip away rapidly in the last few months.

The last three meetings between the sides have seen a share of the spoils on two occasions, with Galway winning one on a scoreline of 2-0.

BETTING

Galway FC 1/3; Draw 15/4; Waterford 6/1.

PREDICTION

The home side want the three points more, they should win comfortably. 3-1 to the promotion-chasers.

Galway FC

Injured: Martin Conneely (achilles)
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None

Waterford United

Injured: Thomas Croke & Kevin O' Connor
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None