EA Sports Cup Preview: Galway United -v- Finn Harps

GALWAY UNITED

The EA Sports Cup returns to Eamonn Deacy Park on Monday night as Finn Harps make their way south to take on last year’s finalists Galway United for the second time in under two weeks. (KO 7.45pm).

Fresh from their 2-2 draw at home to Cork City on Friday last, Galway will be full of confidence going into Monday’s cup game. It speaks volumes of where the Tribesmen are right now, that the team and fans were disappointed with only a draw.

In reality, the result could have gone either way. Deep in the second-half with the game level, United defender Killian Cantwell cleared a goal-bound effort off the line much to the home fan’s relief. Galway immediately countered and Padraic Cunningham rattled the bar much to the relief of the travelling supporter’s. It was end-to-end stuff for most of the night.

Dunne will no doubt look to bring in fresh legs for Monday’s game and he has already created competition for places among the first 10-14 players. This competitive environment is what Dunne and Galway need to keep pace with big teams.

"We're looking at bringing in one or two of the younger players but we have to careful, we need to make sure that all the players are getting an opportunity to play and get some game time under their belts. We have to put out a team to win the match.

"The players that come in will be pushing for first team places and the players who stay in the team will be looking to perform to a level that makes sure they keep their place. 

FINN HARPS

Since Harps’ 1-0 win over Cockhill Celtic in the previous round of the EA Sports Cup, Ollie Horgan’s side have had their ups and downs. Formidable to a degree at home, Harps have really struggled on the road and have yet to register a win in either league or cup on the road.

Their only result away from Finn Park so far this season was the 1-1 draw with Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds in mid-March.

12 days ago Harps travelled to Galway and tried to play a conservative, tight game to frustrate the home side. However, the visitors came undone in the second-period as Galway strung together 12 passes, involving six players, before in-form striker Vinny Faherty tapped home from eight yards.

Chances are Horgan will have his troops lined out in a similar fashion on Monday night but with games in the top division coming thick and fast for the Donegal team, including an away trip to Cork this coming Friday, a rare away win is unlikely against a Galway United side brimming with confidence.

Referee: Robert Hennessey

MATCH STATS

United lost last year’s League Cup Final on penalties.

Finn Harps are yet to win away from home this season.

Galway attacker Padraic Cunningham scored a hat-trick in Galway’s First Round victory.

BETTING

Galway United 8/11; Draw 5/2; Finn Harps 3/1.

PREDICTION

Galway United 2-0 Finn Harps.

Galway United

Injured: Armin Aganovic, Jesse Devers.

Doubtful: Kevin Devaney, Enda Curran.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: Damien McNulty.