League Preview: Galway United -v- Cobh Ramblers

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United will be looking to close the gap on title rivals Cork City when they host Cobh Ramblers at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

With the Rebels idle this weekend, they play Stoke City in a friendly on Saturday, the Tribesmen could narrow the gap at the top of the First Division to one point.

In their last game, Galway earned a crucial three points with a 1-0 win over Waterford at home.

John Caulfield’s men still didn’t seem to be out of their funk, but they managed to grind out that important win thanks to a goal from Killian Brouder.

United are preparing for life without star left back Alex Murphy, the teenager plays his last game for the club on Friday night before making the move to Newcastle United.

They have strengthened early on in the midseason transfer window however with Mark Russell, James Finnerty and Rob Manley all arriving earlier this week, all three signings should strengthen the Tribesmen as they enter the second half of the season.

“We know Shane Keegan will be determined for his team to get a result – Cobh were very unlucky against Treaty last week,” Caulfield told the club’s media team.

“We are expecting a very tough game. We gave a good performance against Waterford last week so we are looking forward to this week’s game.

“We know how difficult it will be but if we can play well at home we can get the points.”

COBH RAMBLERS

Ramblers come to Galway in poor form having not won a game in ten attempts, in fact the side have won just twice this season and lost 15 of their 20 games so far this season.

Recent form in games against Galway is ominous with the Tribesmen coming out on top in their last five meetings.

Last week they suffered their fifth straight defeat when Treaty United ran out 2-0 winners at St Colman’s Park, that match was particularly noteworthy as it was new manager Shane Keegan’s first game in charge of the Rams.

The former Dundalk, Wexford, and Galway United boss has taken charge of the club in recent weeks and he makes his first visit to Eamonn Deacy Park as a manager since departing the Tribesmen in 2018 after a disappointing spell as manager which saw his side relegated at the conclusion of the 2017 Premier Division campaign.

Cobh certainly did not get an immediate new manager bounce for last Friday night’s game but with Keegan at the helm against Galway and experienced campaigner Charlie Fleming having returned after spells with Limerick, Cork City and Treaty United, the side could well be in the mood to shake off expectations on Friday night and get a result.

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea

MATCH STATS

This will be Shane Keegan’s first time back at Eamonn Deacy Park as manager since he departed the top job at Galway United midway through the 2018 season.

Ramblers on a run of ten games without a win, a run that stretches back to April, the County Cork side have also failed to score in their three most recent fixtures.

Galway United have beaten Cobh in the last five meetings between the sides.

PREDICTION

Galway United 3–0 Cobh Ramblers

Galway United

Injured: Ronan Manning.

Doubtful: Killian Brouder.

Suspended: None.

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.