League Preview: Galway United -v- Drogheda United

GALWAY UNITED

A significantly depleted Galway United squad play host to Drogheda Untied at Eamonn Deacy Park on Monday night in a must win Airtricity Premier Division league game for both sides. Kick off at 7.45pm.

Galway are without a staggering nine first team players either through suspension or injury as they look to claim their first win at home since early May.

The Tribesmen endured a horrid time last week at Bohemians as both Stephen Walsh and Marc Ludden were hospitalized with a fractured rib and concussion, respectively, as they went down 3-0 to the Dublin outfit.

Manager Tommy Dunne has therefore been left with no choice but to blood some of his under 19 players for Monday’s game. It’s certainly not the ideal situation to bring youngsters in when United desperately need three points to keep their heads afloat at the lower end of the table.

Drogheda, and Longford Town, are on the same points as the Tribesmen and Dunne has called on his senior players to help guide the youngsters in the side to a win on Monday.

In fairness to Galway and Tommy Dunne, they are not looking for sympathy and, speaking to galwayunitedfc.ie, Dunne and his player’s know they have a job to do despite the lengthy injury list.

“We can't feel sorry for ourselves though, the senior players in our squad will have to step up and be counted to pull our more inexperienced players through these difficult games.”

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United come into Monday night’s game against Galway United on the back of some very poor results which have seen Johnny McDonnell’s team slip down the table in recent weeks.

Last Friday’s 4-0 drubbing at the hands of fellow strugglers Sligo Rovers is cause for concern for the Louth side as they must now face into a massive six-pointer at Eamonn Deacy Park on Monday.

Galway’s Enda Curran was the difference the last time the side’s met along the banks of the Corrib River in a 1-0 defeat for Drogheda, but it will be a completely different home team McDonnell and his troops face this time around.

As the Tribesmen are without so many first team regulars for the crucial clash, Drogs should be looking to capitalize on this and land the three points to move above the Tribesmen in the league standings.

Referee: Graham Kelly

MATCH STATS

Galway United have lost their last five home league games.

Drogheda have taken four points from their last three away games

The Tribesmen have now the second worst defensive record in the league. (49)

BETTING

Galway United 6/5; Draw 9/4; Drogheda 9/4.

PREDICTION

Galway United 2 – 2 Drogheda United.

Galway United

Injured: Ryan Connolly (ankle), Marc Ludden (concussion), Conor Barry (thigh) Andy O’Connell (foot) Padraic Cunningham (Knee) Stephen Walsh (rib fracture) Killian Cantwell (foot).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Enda Curran, Colm Horgan.

Drogheda United

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: Robert Bayly.