League Preview: Galway United -v- Derry City

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United will play host to Derry City this Friday, when the northwest outfit travels to Eamonn Deacy Park. (K.O 7.45pm).

It’s an important league clash for Tommy Dunne’s side who are beginning to slip away from the European qualification places, sitting six points behind opponents Derry City in sixth place.

Last Sunday the ‘Tribesmen’ didn’t do themselves any favour’s when they went down to ten men and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Sligo Rovers.

They’ll be looking to put May behind them and make a good start to June against a Kenny Shiels side who already has one over them this season.

But Tommy Dunne knows his side need the three points in order to stay in the race.

“Going down to ten men in both of our last home games didn’t allow us to compete,” Dunne explained.

“Both of the incidents occurred in the first half of both of the games and that makes things difficult. We were well in both games and the disappointing thing is we didn’t have the eleven to push for either of the games.

“We need to get three points on Friday. If Derry City win, they go nine points ahead of us and if we win, we’re three points behind, so it’s a big game for both clubs.”

Colm Horgan, Stephen Walsh and Padraic Cunningham will all be unavailable for selection through injury.

Kevin Devaney and Marc Ludden will both undergo late fitness test, while Armin Aganovic is suspended. 

DERRY CITY

Kenny Shiels will be hoping his side can now build off their most recent results, winning their last two on the bounce.

The ‘Candystripes’ currently sit in third spot, six points behind second place Cork City and ten points behind leaders Dundalk.

The opportunity to shorten the gap could be this Friday with Cork City and Dundalk meeting at Turners Cross.

A win on Friday would see Derry City go into the league break with a firm hold on the last European qualification spot.

And they could welcome a new signing this July after Kenny Shiels confirmed to the media that the club has had preliminary discussions with former Celtic winger Paddy McCourt.

“We’ve spoken over the phone but Paddy has a few personal problems he has to deal with first so we’re not going to do anything until he’s ready.” Shiels said.

“Paddy has personal family commitments to deal with first before he can think about further talks about joining Derry City and we have to respect that.

“I don’t want to pester him on football matters at the moment. His family is his priority.

We will speak further towards the middle of June and we’ll have further discussions then.

He can’t play until July so we’ll not be pushing him on it. That’s as far as it’s gone at the moment.

“Paddy’s one we feel would be a good acquisition for us and if that evolves it would be fantastic for us.”

Referee: James McKell

MATCH FACTS

Derry City have beaten Galway United 2-1 at the Brandywell already this season.

This will be the 23^rd meeting between the two sides.

Galway United have only won one of the previous eight games against the ‘Candystripes’

BETTING

Galway United 21/10; Draw 23/10; Derry City 13/10.

PREDICTION

Galway 1-2 Derry City.

Galway United

Injured: Colm Horgan, Stephen Walsh, Padraic Cunningham

Doubtful: Kevin Devaney, Marc Ludden

Suspended: Armin Aganovic

Derry City

Injured: Harry Monaghan, Gareth McGlynn

Doubtful: Rory Patterson

Suspended: None.