League Preview: Galway United -v- Sligo Rovers

GALWAY UNITED

The fight for Premier Division survival is well and truly on at Eamonn Deacy Park this Friday night, as fellow relegation strugglers Sligo Rovers visit for a Connacht derby of epic proportions (kick off 7.45pm).

The Tribesmen`s 2-1 over Derry City last weekend has left destiny largely in their own hands. United played well throughout and when Stephen Folan lashed in the winner on 80 minutes the maroon faithful instantly knew Bit O´Red`s visit this Friday would be the game of the season.

That win temporarily hoisted Galway above the relegation zone but with Sligo winning 24 hours later in Ballybofey, it was as you were going into Friday`s derby.

Second from bottom, but, still within three points of seventh place on the table, Shane Keegan`s men know nothing less than three points will be good enough.

Defender Niall Maher, who left the field of play early against Derry with a hamstring injury, will not feature.

Speaking to the club's official website, manager Shane Keegan called on all supporters to come out in massive numbers for the boys in maroon.

“We have to have a massive crowd at the game – it’s vitally important,” he said.

“It’s a game we need to get bums on seats for. It’s going to be a pivotal night in both team’s season.

“Last week, I thought we were really good against Derry. I heard Kenny Shiels speaking after the game, saying only one team was trying to play football.

“It came back that we had more possession than Derry City in the game. We’ve gone out and outdone them at their own game.

“I thought we had a number of excellent performances on the night, none more so than our central midfield trio of David Cawley, Rory Hale and Gavan Holohan.

“They were outstanding. They were below par against Limerick in the FAI Cup, but you could see the hunger and desire in their performance against Derry and that will have to be replicated against Sligo now.

“We cannot drop our performance levels one percent lower than the Derry City game. There was almost a level of desperation about our performance against Derry, we knew we had to deliver and we did.

“Rory Hale used the line it’s kill or be killed during the week and that’s the mentality that we have to head into the Sligo Rovers game with.”

SLIGO ROVERS

It may well be the case a former Galway United player dooms his former club to First Division football next season. Vinny Faherty switched clubs midseason and scored the opener against Finn Harps last week in their 2-1 win at the death over the Donegal club.

Rhys McCabe`s winner in stoppage time sent the Bit O´Red into raptures knowing a win in Galway would more than likely secure their status for next season.

The great news for Sligo is the return of Raffaele Cretaro, ex-Galway United player John Russell and Michael Leahy from suspension. Craig Roddan has still to serve a one match ban.

Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, Greg Moorhouse and Michael Schlingermann are doubtful with injury.

Gerard Lyttle is only focusing on his own side`s performance heading into Friday`s game at Eamonn Deacy Park.

“Galway are a very good side and I’m sure they have the same confidence from their win against Derry,” he told the club's official website.

“We focus on our performance. Last week we went to a difficult place in tough conditions and showed we are progressing.”

Referee: Jim McKell

MATCH STATS

The last three ties between Galway and Sligo have ended in draws.

Sligo have won two from their last three on the road, beating Cork City and Harps.

The Tribesmen have scored in all of their last eight league games.

BETTING

Galway United 6/5; Draw 9/4; Sligo Rovers 23/10

PREDICTION

Galway United 2-2 Sligo Rovers

Galway United

Injured: Niall Maher.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, Greg Moorhouse and Michael Schlingermann.

Suspended: Craig Roddan.