League Preview: Galway United -v- Drogheda United

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United host Drogheda United looking for a first league win since recording back-to-back victories over Wexford and Longford Town in May (kick-off 7.45pm).

Since the 2-1 defeat to Longford, the Tribesmen have lost seven and drawn four of their eleven league games.

The Tribesmen fell to a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Longford last week despite the game being scoreless after 67 minutes.

“The first 70 minutes or so against Longford were hugely positive,” manager Alan Murphy told the club’s website.

“The players implemented the plan, looked really solid, and we probably had the best chance of the game through Conor Layng.

“We have to take the positives from it and also learn from the 20 or so minutes that came after also.

“The panic and that bit of inexperience was very evident and that allowed Longford to put us to the sword. We’ll be looking to rectify that against Drogheda United.”

Other than the injured Jack Lynch, Murphy will have a full squad to chose from and is aware of the tough test facing his side on Friday evening.

“Drogheda have performed very well all season. They’re in the position they’re in because they have performed and they have a settled side.

“They’ve got a really strong squad, it will be a tough test for us, but we’re looking forward to it,” Murphy said.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United will be looking for a third win from three over Galway United this season when they travel to Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday.

Mark Doyle’s first half strike was enough to see Drogheda come away with all three points from Galway in March.

In the second meeting, Chris Lyons scored either side of the break before Jordan Adeyemo netted his first senior goal for the club late on in a 3-0 win.

The Boynesiders come into this game in second place after a 0-0 draw with promotion rivals Cabinteely at United Park last week.

That result sees Drogheda eight behind league leaders Shelbourne, level on points with third-placed Longford, two ahead of Cabinteely and seven ahead of Bray in fifth.

James Brown is expected to return to the squad following a hand injury, but the game looks to be too early for long-term injury absentee Adam Wixted while Mark Hughes is doubtful.

Referee: Ray Matthews.

MATCH STATS

Drogheda United have won the two meetings between the sides this year, winning 1-0 in Eamonn Deacy Park in March and 3-0 in United Park in May.

Galway are eighth in the First Division, level on points with ninth-placed Athlone, and ten points behind Cobh Ramblers.

Drogheda currently sit second in the First Division, level on points with Longford and eight points behind league leaders Shelbourne.

BETTING

Galway United 5/1; Draw 10/3; Drogheda United 4/11.

PREDICTION

Galway United 1 – 2 Drogheda United

Galway United

Injured: Jack Lynch.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: Adam Wixted.

Doubtful: Mark Hughes.

Suspended: None.