EA Sports Cup Preview: Galway United -v- Dundalk

GALWAY UNITED

This EA Sports Cup semi-final see’s hosts Galway United take on defending league champions Dundalk on Bank holiday Monday at Eamonn Deacy Park. Kick off 5pm.

The Galway Races may be finished but the county’s League of Ireland side are up against it even before a ball has been kicked due to their lengthy injury list that includes Ryan Connolly, Enda Curran, Marc Ludden, Conor Barry and Andy O’Connell. Padraic Cunningham is also doubtful for the clash on Monday evening and Conor Winn will miss the game through suspension.

United last won the League Cup in 1997 which was also their last appearance in a cup final of any significance. This year’s cup run has been an all-home affair, as United have played all the previous three rounds at the Dyke Road venue overcoming Finn Harps 3-2, Cockhill Celtic 4-2 and Bohemians 1-0.

Despite having some of his team’s best players on the treatment table, manager Tommy Dunne was bullish about his side’s chances against the Premier Division leaders on Monday. Speaking to galwayunitedfc.ie, Dunne said his side has no option but to give it a go.

“We have to go out and give it our all.

“There’s no pressure on us in any shape or form. We’re looking forward to the game.

“Circumstances aren’t ideal given the amount of injuries we have but you have to deal with that. I’m asking the players to get out and enjoy the game and to give everything.”

DUNDALK

The Lilywhites are raging hot favorites to claim a place in the EA Sports Cup final when they travel to Galway on Monday evening. Manager Stephen Kenny has already masterminded two wins for the league champions over Galway United this season and scored seven goals in the process.

Dundalk will be without recent signing Ciaran Kilduff as he is cup-tied and Chris Shields serves a one match ban. International clearance has still not come through for another recent signing Sean Maguire.

Speaking to dundalkfc.com, defender Andy Boyle was looking forward to Monday night’s eagerly anticipated clash.

“We’re all looking forward to the game on Monday. It’s another semi-final for us and we’re really pleased to be involved in it. We have a good chance to get into another final which is where we want to be.

“We all have great memories from last year winning the trophy but Galway are a good side and they gave us a difficult time there a few weeks ago so we know it’ll be tough but we want to be in the final again so we’ll be ready to go.”

Referee: Ray Matthews.

MATCH STATS

Dundalk are looking to reach back-to-back League Cup finals for the first time since 1990.

Galway have been at home in all rounds of the 2015 League cup to date.

Dundalk are unbeaten in their last 15 encounters between the sides in all competitions.

BETTING

Galway United 7/2; Draw 10/3; Dundalk 8/13.

PREDICTION

Galway United 2-3 Dundalk.

Galway United

Injured: Ryan Connolly (ankle), Enda Curran (hamstring), Marc Ludden (ankle), Conor Barry (thigh) and Andy O’Connell (foot).

Doubtful: Padraic Cunningham.

Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Chris Shields.

Cup tied: Ciaran Kilduff.