League Preview: Galway United -v- Cork City

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United will be looking to delay Cork City’s return to the Premier Division at least temporarily with a win on Friday night when the Rebels visit Eamonn Deacy Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Rebels are currently ten points clear at the top of the table and look set to be crowned First Division champions for 2022, a win tomorrow night will confirm their promotion and the title win.

The Tribesmen find themselves on the cusp of seeing their main title rivals claim the First Division in their own backyard after a dismal few weeks which saw them pick up just two points from their last four games and just one win from their last six.

Normally a good defensive side, the Tribesmen have failed to even keep one clean sheet in their last five games.

Despite the Rebels faltering at times in the run in, the Tribesmen faltered worse and could now have to deal with the ignominy of letting the title officially slip in front of their home fans.

In their last game, the Tribesmen had to rely on an injury time equalizer from Mikie Rowe to rescue a point on their trip to Cobh after Darragh O’Sullivan-Connell found the net for Ramblers in the 31^st minute.

“We are looking forward to the game,” John Caulfield said, speaking to the club’s media, as he prepares to face his former employers once again.

“Cork have been very good all season but we have been good also.

“We are hoping for a big home support on Friday night.”

In team news, Stephen Walsh returns from suspension, the First Division’s top goal scorer will no doubt be gunning to prevent Cork claiming the title when they arrive on the Dyke Road tomorrow night.

CORK CITY

It looks like the Rebels’ long wait is coming to an end, two years after their relegation from the Premier Division they could claim the First Division title and automatic promotion back to the top flight with a win tomorrow night.

They would no doubt love to do that at home preferably, but if they can do it at Galway’s home ground that would surely be a close second.

“It’d be great, but it will be difficult, they’re a very good side,” manager Colin Healy said, speaking to the press this week.

“Obviously we’ve had difficult games this year with them. They have a very good manager, it will be a difficult game but it’s about us really and it’s about what we do so we’ll have a big support going up there which is fantastic.

“We’re coming off the back of a fantastic win against Waterford so the confidence is high. The players can’t wait for tomorrow night for the game.”

City put themselves in this strong position after Galway dropped points at St Colman’s Park last Friday and they secured a late win at the RSC against Waterford.

Cian Murphy put the Rebels ahead in the 55^th minute and late drama saw Waterford equalize late on, but Ruairí Keating scored from the penalty spot even later to claim the important three points.

Referee: Oliver Moran

MATCH STATS

Stephen Walsh is the top goal scorer in the First Division currently with 14 goals.

There has been little to separate the side head to head this season after three meetings, United won by a goal at Turners Cross early in the season, Cork won by a single goal in Deacy Park and the side played out a scoreless draw at the Cross in July.

The Tribesmen are on a four game run without a win.

PREDICTION

Galway United 1–2 Cork City

Galway United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Cork City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.