League Preview: Galway United -v- Shamrock Rovers II

GALWAY UNITED

John Caulfield seeks his third successive win as new United Manager when his side welcome Shamrock Rovers II to Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night (kick-off 7:45pm).

Galway followed up last Friday’s 4-1 win away to Athlone with an impressive 3-0 win over UCD in Belfield on Monday.

Speaking ahead of the game, Caulfield explained to the United media team the importance of continuing that momentum.

"We will be looking to build on the wins against Athlone and UCD, and hopefully continue to create more momentum," he said.

Although Caulfield is looking forward to his first home game in charge of the Tribesmen, he is fully aware of the threats that the Hoops could pose.

"We're aware of the danger. Shamrock Rovers beat Athlone Town 4-0 a few weeks ago and they've only suffered very narrow losses against Longford Town and Cobh Ramblers.

"They can call on a few quality first-team players like Brandon Kavanagh, Thomas Oluwa, Aaron Bolger, so we're in for another tough night.

"We know that we must be on our game to get another win. It will require a lot of hard work.”

Cian Murphy, Joshua Smith, Conor Melody and Micheál Schlingermann will miss the game through injury while Maurice Nugent is rated as doubtful.

SHAMROCK ROVERS II

Rovers II will hope to avoid a third successive league defeat when they travel to the west on Friday.

Aidan Price’s side have succumbed to defeats at home to Cobh Ramblers and Longford Town in recent weeks.

The Hoops have also struggled away from home this season, winning just one out of five games away from Tallaght.

That win came against Athlone, who are yet to record a win in this season’s First Division.

At the time of writing Shamrock Rovers hadn’t released any team news but they are free from suspensions.

Referee: Michael Connolly

MATCH STATS

Rovers II have won just once in five games away from Tallaght Stadium this season.

Galway’s last First Division win at Eamonn Deacy Park came against Limerick in their last home game of 2019.

Galway have scored 12 goals so far this season. Only Wexford (5) and Rovers II (11) have scored fewer.

BETTING

Galway United 4/9; Draw 11/4; Shamrock Rovers II 5/1.

PREDICTION

Galway United 3–1 Shamrock Rovers II

Galway United

Injured: Cian Murphy, Joshua Smith, Conor Melody, Micheál Schlingermann.

Doubtful: Maurice Nugent.

Suspended: None.

Shamrock Rovers II

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.