League Preview: Galway United -v- Limerick

GALWAY UNITED

All eyes turn to Eamonn Deacy Park this Friday as the relegation battle enters its final stages with basement team Limerick FC taking on hosts Galway United in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division. Kick-off is at 7.45.

Last week’s 2-1 win over Sligo Rovers was a timely boast for the Tribesmen as they look to shake off several teams in the lower half on the league table. Derry City, Longford Town and United are all on 29 points with Rovers and Drogheda lying on 27.

The Super Blues’ disastrous start to the season has been well documented, but their recent resurgence sees them climb to 23 points. With four games go to, it’s clearly still all to play for. 

Manager Tommy Dunne is still without Alex Byrne, Jason Molloy and Padraic Cunningham through injury. Exceptional young defender Killian Cantwell also misses out with an ankle injury while Marc Ludden will undergo a late fitness test.

Speaking to galwayunitedfc.ie Dunne had high praise for his players after the defeat of Sligo, but knows Limerick are presently one of the form teams in the league.

“We have to continue our form into the Limerick game and we need to build some momentum. Limerick will be another stern test for us. We know that they are the leagues form team along with Dundalk.

LIMERICK FC

The Super Blues have given themselves a real fighting chance of staying in the Premier Division with wins over St. Patrick’s Athletic and Cork City over the past number of weeks.

Manager Martin Russell has been getting the best from his players, no more so than former Galway United man Vinny Flaherty.

The Galway native has scored twice against his former club already this season and notched three in the past four games. Russell and Limerick will be looking to ‘Fla’ to help their team to stay in the top flight.

Russell also believes 31 points will be enough for his team to secure a playoff spot, and with four games to go, it’s not beyond Limerick to cause an upset, come the end of the month.

Speaking to limerickfc.ie Russell believes in his own players but he’s also acutely aware Galway will be gunning to cement top flight status for next season.

“Galway will be looking to win the game, which would probably guarantee them their status in the league next season. We know it’s going to be a tough, tough challenge.”

Referee: Dave McKeon

MATCH STATS

Vinny Flaherty is going for three-in-a-row against his old club.

United hold the edge in games versus Limerick this season, with two wins.

Galway haven’t recorded back-to-back wins at home in the league this season.

BETTING

Galway United 7/5; Draw 12/5; Limerick FC 7/4

PREDICTION

Galway United 3-2 Limerick FC

Galway United FC

Injured: Padraic Cunningham, Alex Byrne, Jason Molloy, Killian Cantwell

Doubtful: Marc Ludden

Suspended:

Limerick FC

Injured:

Doubtful:

Suspended: Shane Tracy