League Preview: Wexford Youths -v- Galway United

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Shane Keegan’s Wexford Youths have endured a torrid week. They were humbled 4-0 in Inchicore last Friday night by an utterly ruthless St. Patrick’s Athletic, spearheaded by the prolific Christy Fagan.

Youths again conceded four in Limerick on Tuesday evening’s EA Sports Cup Round two encounter. Although, they made ten changes for that match, they produced a very sub-par performance with their beleaguered players looking derived of confidence at the full-time whistle.

However, Keegan will have to lift his players for the visit of Tommy Dunne’s Galway United to Ferrycarrig Park tonight. The Tribesmen have made a very positive start to this campaign and sit in fifth position having won four of their eight league encounters so far.

Wexford’s have relied heavily upon Danny Furlong for goals this season, but the onus will now be placed on the shoulders of his strike partner, Paul Murphy, following the dismissal of Furlong in Richmond Park.

Ahead of the match, Wexford manager Shane Keegan told the club’s website that his players must show their character in order to get over the two drubbings that they have suffered over the past seven days.

Keegan said: "The Pats game was probably our first poor performance of the season so it's really important that bounce straight back. I think the character in that dressing room is really good and I'll be challenging them to give me a big response.

"It'll be a really tough game as Galway are flying but a win against a side as good as them would make a real statement and potentially put us right back on track."

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United have begun the 2016 season like the proverbial house on fire. Having picked up points from six of their opening eight league matches, they progressed to the Quarter-Final of the EA Sports Cup on Monday night, defeating Finn Harps on penalties.

Tommy Dunne’s men are a very attractive prospect and crowds have been strong at Eamon Deacy Park this campaign. Indeed, at Terryland, they have taken maximum points from games against Bohemians, Bray Wanderers and Finn Harps, while a draw at home to Cork City last Friday night saw them remain in the higher echelons of the league table

‘Skipper Ryan Connolly and John Sullivan have formed a formidable midfield partnership this season, flanked by Gary Shanahan and Kevin Devaney. They have been the platform for many of Galway’s victories this season with Vinny Faherty being the main source of goals in attack.

However, with all good teams a good defence is paramount. An injury to centre-back Stephen Folan has allowed Kilian Cantwell to deputise in his absence.

Cantwell who joined the club from Wexford Youths at the start of 2015 is now hoping to hold down his place alongside Paul Sinnott for the remainder of the campaign now following his strong performances recently.

“It was tough last year not getting a pre-season due to injury, it sets you up for the season mentally and physically. I tried to get a good pre-season this year and I want to nail my spot in the team.”

Galway manager Tommy Dunne remains as modest and realistic as ever though following their good start and he is insisting that both sides will be expecting to get the three points.

Dunne told the club's website: “We’re going to Wexford thinking we can get a result. We know they will feel the same and I’d imagine Shane Keegan is happy with the competitiveness of his team. Pats aside, they’ve been there or thereabouts in games.

“We’re trying to push on. We feel if we can get the three points, it will be a fantastic result, but no more than that. There’s a long way to go. It’s important for us to be positive and try and go and win the game.”

Referee: Adriano Reale.

MATCH STATS

The last meeting between the sides came in October 2014 in the First Division.

That match ended in a 2-2 draw at Deacy Park, with the now departed Jake Keegan scoring twice for the Tribesmen, while Dean Broaders and Andy Mulligan netted for Youths.

Tonight’s meeting will signal the first ever meeting between the sides in the Premier Division.

BETTING

Wexford Youths 9/4; Draw 9/4; Galway United 23/20.

PREDICTION

Wexford Youths 0-2 Galway United

Wexford Youths

Injuries: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspension: Danny Furlong.

Galway United

Injuries: Jesse Dever (groin), Armin Aganovic (knee), Kevin Devaney (leg infection).

Doubtful: None.

Suspension: None.