Preview: Galway Utd vs Shamrock Rovers

Saturday night football returns to Terryland Park as Pat Scully's Shamrock Rovers side travel west keen to build on what has been an impressive start to their campaign.(kick-off 7 pm)

Seven points already in the bag, Rovers will arrive high on confidence, buoyed by the impressive impact their new strikeforce of Alan Murphy and Dessie Baker has made.

Galway, on the other hand, are without a win and desperate for three points. Uncharacterisitc lapses have cost them vital goals against St.Pat's and Bohs, while the lack of attacking potency must be a source of worry for boss Tony Cousins.

When the sides last met, Shamrock Rovers inflicted Galway's heaviest defeat of last season when winning 4-0 in Tolka Park, but the previous five encounters had all been tight affairs, with late goals deciding the outcome on more than one occasion.

The home side will be without John Fitzgerald and John Lester, both of whom are suspended. Wes Charles picked up a knock in last week's tie in Inchicore, while Reggie Nooitmeer's recovery from jet-lag following his appearance for Haiti on Wednesday night may yet decide whether he starts.

With his defensive options stretched, Cousins will be hopeful Alan Keane can return from injury to make his first appearance of the season. Ollie Fenn is another option at centre-back, but whoever lines out will surely be tested by an in-form Rovers side.

Former Tribesman Murphy seems to have refound the spark of old when he used to fire in goals in double figures. As is to be expected though, Scully's team is built around defensive solidity. Barry Murphy is a 'keeper in top form and is protected by a teak tough back four, with Darragh Maguire impressing in the opening outings.

Utd will be hopeful Stephen O'Flynn returns to provide some much needed muscle in attack, while the severity of Derek Glynn's recent injury has not yet been established. The home fans crave a win, but their side will have to up the ante to overcome The Hoops.