League Preview: Galway United -v- Bohemians

GALWAY UNITED

Premier Division action returns to Eamonn Deacy Park with the visit of Dublin side Bohemians on Saturday afternoon. (Kick-off 2pm)

Galway will be hoping to return to winning ways after going down to Nathan Boyle’s 92^nd winner, last week, against Derry City. It was a killer blow to United who looked the better side after opening the scoring early on through winger Kevin Devaney.

The Tribesmen have already shown this season they play with creatively, and without fear both at home, and on the road. However, being unable to eke out wins in tight games is already a slight worry for some fans.

A more present concern for the fans is an ever-growing list of casualties. Kevin Devaney, Colm Horgan, Gary Shanahan and Enda Curran (ankle) are all major doubts for Saturday’s game. Armin Aganovic, Alex Byrne and Stephen Folan are still on the treatment table and will miss out.

Last Monday’s 3-1 EA Sports Cup home win over Mayo League saw young Galway striker Padraic Cunningham notch a hat-trick in 16 minutes and his performance alone must push manager Tommy Dunne to start Podge in an attacking role. However, speaking to galwayunitedfc.ie, Dunne is likely to revert to the tried and tested, injuries permitting.

"Against Mayo there was a number of guys who performed well on the night, which could put them in contention but I think the guys who have been starting have done quite well too. It's good for us, we have a bit more competition and that's what we're looking for."

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will be the first Dublin side to visit Eamonn Deacy Park this season. The Gypsies last visits to Terryland Park came three days apart over the May bank holiday as suffered a 5-3 defeat in the Friday night league game followed by a 1-0 loss in the EA Sports Cup on the following Monday evening.

In team news, Anto Murphy and Kurtis Byrne are back in contention, but Eoin Wearen remains out with a virus. Ismahil Akinade will undergo a late fitness test after suffering a hamstring strain in the side’s 3-1 EA Sports Cup win over Longford Town.

This season the Gypsies have not had the start to their campaign manager Keith Long would have wanted and he knows coming to Galway and getting a win is by no means an easy feat.

"We know it will be a tough game. Galway have had a bright start to the season, beating St Pat's away in their opening game. They were very unlucky to come away from Derry last week with nothing too.”

Referee: Ray Matthews

MATCH STATS

Bohs’ last two visits to Galway ended in defeat.

Padraic Cunningham is United’s current top scorer with three EA Sports Cup goals.

Over the course of four games last season the teams scored a combined 12 goals.

BETTING

Galway United 11/8; Draw 23/10; Bohemians 15/8

PREDICTION

Galway United 3-1 Bohemians

Galway United

Injured: Armin Aganovic (knee) Alex Byrne (groin) Stephen Folan (broken toe)

Doubtful: Kevin Devaney (groin), Colm Horgan (calf), Gary Shanahan (hamstring) and Enda Curran (ankle)

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Eoin Wearen (virus)

Doubtful: Ismahil Akinade, Roberto Lopes (virus)

Suspended: Unknown