League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Galway United

Galway United travel to Sligo Rovers this Saturday evening with both teams hoping a win could push them away from relegation trouble. Kick-off is 7.45pm.

SLIGO ROVERS

Despite a run of three straight losses, Sligo’s relegation troubles can be eased with a victory over their Galwegian opponents. The Bit O’Red occupy the relegation play-off place at the moment but are only two points behind Bray Wanderers and just a further point away from Derry City. This time last week, Sligo were actually above Bray before they faced each other.

Sligo played well against the Wanderers but a combination of Stephen McGuinness and Niall Cooney saw them leave the Carlisle Grounds empty handed as an Alan McNally goal secured a 1-0 win for Bray. The oddity of Raf Cretaro starting at right back while Alan Keane sat on the bench showed that problems still exist in spite of Heary’s sacking.

For the match against Galway, there is a very long injury list with John Russell, Jeff Henderson, Kevin Devaney and Stephen Folan all missing out. Ruairi Keating will also be sidelined after returning from Finn Harps with a hamstring problem.

The good news for Sligo is that Sander Puri is back after an illness ruled him out for the Bray match and Regan Donelon is fit to play after his own return from Finn Harps.

GALWAY UNITED

Galway may look safe enough in eighth place at the moment but a loss against Sligo could see them become embroiled in the battle to stay in the Premier Division. They are only three points above Derry City and a defeat could see them be within three to four points of the relegation play-off spot. Losing to Shamrock Rovers last weekend didn’t help their cause.

Galway boss Tommy Dunne spoke to galwayunitedfc.ie and said the 2-1 loss was a “disappointing result against Shamrock Rovers,” but he then added, “We’ve dusted ourselves down and we’re moving on quickly to Sligo Rovers now.”

On the match against their North-Westerly rivals, the manager said, “They’ve got a strong squad of players so we’re under no illusions, it will be a battle, but we’re looking forward to going to Sligo, we’re hungry to do well and it’s a great place to play.”

Galway will have Andy O’Connell and Jason Molloy missing through injury, while defender Sam Oji has been rated highly doubtful.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer

MATCH STATS

The earlier fixture between these sides ended as a 1-0 victory to Sligo Rovers, one of their two wins this campaign. A fifth minute penalty from Dinny Corcoran settled the match.

Galway are still yet to draw a match this season and whenever they have played away this season, it has always finished the game with only one side scoring.

Sligo have only conceded ten goals at home this season, while Galway have only scored eight away from home this season.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 4/5; Draw 12/5; Galway United 7/2.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2 – 3 Galway United

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Jeff Henderson, John Russell, Kevin Devaney, Stephen Folan, Ruairi Keating

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Galway United

Injured: Andy O’Connell, Jason Molloy

Doubtful: Sam Oji

Suspended: None