League Preview: Derry City -v- Galway United

DERRY CITY

The Candystripes will be looking for their third win in a week as they welcome Galway United to the Brandywell, on Friday night (ko 7.45pm).

Derry’s season has got off to a flyer with two wins from the opening three games - a 1-0 win over Cork City the most notable scalp. The work-rate of Derry’s players was central to the victory over one of the favourites for the league title.

The last time the Candystripes hosted Galway United, the Tribesmen came away from the Brandywell with all three points and a clean sheet in a 2-0 win.

City’s manager Kenny Shiels has called upon his players to replicate the effort they put into the win over Cork if Derry are to pick up win number four this season.

“If we can work at a high volume then we have got a chance, but it’s going to be a tight game,” he admitted.

“The boys have got good energy at the moment and we are trying to sustain that. We don’t want anyone to work harder than us and if we can match that, then we’ll see what happens.” 

GALWAY UNITED

Undefeated Galway United face their second successive game on the road after drawing 1-1 away to Sligo Rovers last Monday night.

United conceded an early goal but equalised through Ruairi Keating in a second-half that was dominated by the visitors. Galway hit the bar twice in the dying embers of a game that manager Tommy Dunne will have felt as three points lost, instead of a point gained.

It is still bad news on the injury front as new signing Armin Aganovic has yet to feature due to a niggling knee injury. Marc Ludden is also ruled out with a foot injury. 

With confidence high in the squad and five separate goal-scorers spread across the team, the Tribesmen will go to the Brandywell knowing they possess a winning formula, and a canny manager in Tommy Dunne.

The down to earth boss knows going to Derry is never easy but his side must start digging out wins on the road.

"They've got threats in their team, a solid back-line and a very experienced goalkeeper,” said Dunne. “We know it will be difficult.

"We're confident in our abilities and we believe we're able to make it difficult for them also. We've started well and we should have won against Sligo Rovers, but we've got to move on, there's no point dwelling on it. 

Referee: Adriano Reale

MATCH STATS

Three out of Galway’s four strikers have already scored this season.

Derry lead nine wins to four in recent league meetings.

When the teams last met, Derry ran out 4-0 winners in Eamon Deacy Park in early August.

BETTING

Derry City 5/4; Draw 23/10; Galway United 21/10

PREDICTION

Derry City 1-2 Galway United

Derry City

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: Unknown

Galway United

Injured: Armin Aganovic (knee), Marc Ludden (foot)

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None.