League Preview: Galway United -v- Sligo Rovers

GALWAY UNITED

The Tribesmen welcome Sligo Rovers to Eamonn Deacy Park, keen to build on their recent EA Sports Cup win against Cockhill Celtic – but it's not going to be easy. Kick off is set for 7.45 pm.

Having swept aside the challenge of their non-league opponents on Monday evening, Tommy Dunne's Galway will look to make it a second consecutive home victory as they continue their quest to make their home stadium a veritable fortress.

However Dunne’s men are saddled with injuries meaning they won't be at full strength.

Indeed, Dunne is expecting a raucous atmosphere and a testing battle as the Premier Division's basement side visit for the first Connacht derby of the season, as revealed by www.galwayunitedfc.ie.

“Both clubs are in a similar position in the league so it's a big game but everybody is looking forward to it,” the Dubliner said.

“We're under no illusions about how tough it will be. I think Sligo will be well up for the game and they'll be expectant and they'll be pushing hard to secure a result.

“We need to be ready for that and we need to be doing that side of the game ourselves. We need to be pushing hard to get a result,” he concluded.

SLIGO ROVERS

Struggling to reach the heights they scaled so well last season, Sligo Rovers look like a completely different side – and one that's certainly lacking in confidence right now.

With new manager Owen Heary at the helm, Rovers have really cut a lacklustre figure with only two points in the league to show for their efforts this season – and they also crashed out of the EA Sports Cup against Derry City during the week.

Add this to quite a number of injury concerns and the season has certainly not started tremendously well for the Bit o'Red.

That said, it remains a foolish endeavour to write them off. Possessing a squad with fantastic players and proven goalscorers, they will look to impose themselves on the game and come away with maximum points. After all, Galway are a newly-promoted side and Heary will expect to push them all the way, despite their recent slump.

Speaking ahead of the game, the boss retained confidence in that very talent.

“We keep saying it every week but we need that win to kick-start our season and this has to be the game that we get a result. If we can play like we did against Derry and add a couple of goals then I think we can get that.”

Referee: Neil Doyle

MATCH STATS

Back in October 2011, Sligo defeated United 7-1 at the Showgrounds in a top-flight clash with Matthew Blinkhorn snatching a tremendous hat-trick.

Padraic Cunningham is Galway's top scorer this season in all competitions with three goals and is in contention to start the match after his recent brace in the EA Sports Cup.

Sligo's only win this season came against Mayo League when they overcame them 8-0 in the EA Sports Cup.

BETTING

Galway 13/5; Draw 9/4; Sligo 21/20

PREDICTION

Anyone heading to the game can expect an entertaining battle between two sets of players desperate for the win. If Galway can banish their bad luck and Sligo match their own potential, there will be no shortage of excitement on show. A final score of 2-2 between two committed teams.

Galway United

Injured: Andy O' Connell (ankle), Jason Molloy (toe), Killian Cantwell (knee), Aaron McDonagh (knee).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Marc Ludden, Sam Oji.

Sligo Rovers

Injuried: Gavin Peers (groin), Jeff Henderson.

Doubtful: Steven Beattie (hamstring).

Suspended: Keith Ward, Danny Ledwith.