League Preview: Dundalk -v- Galway United

DUNDALK

Dundalk will be looking to build on an impressive start to their Premier Division campaign when they welcome newly promoted Galway United to Oriel Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Lilywhites put in a good performance in their opening game of the season when they faced champions Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium last Friday night.

New signing Jamie Gullan opened the scoring in the first half for Stephen O’Donnell’s side but that goal was cancelled out by an Aaron Greene equaliser for a share of the points.

“We know that Galway are going to be very physical, very fit and very well organised, in and out of possession, and they will be a big threat at set pieces,” O’Donnell said, speaking to the club’s media team.

“They beat us well in the FAI Cup quarter-final last season so they’ll be quite confident coming up here.

“From our point of view, it’s still very early regarding our understanding of each other and how long the group’s been together.

“I was very happy with our set-up against Shamrock Rovers last week. The layer we want to add to that is the more intricate things and being in control when we have possession.

“There’s been a mood of optimism around the town this week and hopefully, there’s a big crowd at Oriel on Friday night.

“I keep going back to 2013 but there was an edge and a hunger around the club – and the town. We felt like we were the underdogs and we need to try and get that feeling back.

“In comparison to where the club was five or six years ago, we’re making our way back up the mountain and we need to fight and scrap for every point and bit of success we get.”

In team news, Dundalk have just one absentee with Koen Oostenbrink out with a slight injury.

GALWAY UNITED

The Tribesmen return to Oriel Park for the first time since the 2017 season, their last in the Premier Division.

Dundalk were the side that officially relegated Galway on the last night of that season, and it’s taken six seasons for the teams to meet in league competition since.

United began their campaign with the visit of FAI Cup champions St Patrick’s Athletic to Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night.

There wasn’t much to write about on the night with few chances for either side in tough conditions on the banks of the Corrib, an early goal from Jamie Lennon made the difference and gave the Saints the victory.

“We’re looking forward to going to Oriel Park,” manager John Caulfield said, speaking to Galway United’s media team.

“Stephen O’Donnell has built a very good team, very quickly. We know how difficult Dundalk can be, but we’re looking to build on last week’s performance.

In team news, Wassim Aouachria is presumed to be still injured for the Tribesmen having picked up a knock in pre-season. Garry Buckley came off injured against St Patrick’s Athletic and is a doubt to feature against Dundalk.

Stephen Walsh received a straight red in the second half of last week’s game, and he has been suspended for three games – leaving Galway with very little to choose from in terms of striking options.

Referee: Gavin Colfer

MATCH STATS

The last time these two sides met Galway United emerged victorious – they thrashed Dundalk 4-0 in the FAI Cup last season.

That being said, United have a pretty dismal record away to Dundalk, you have to go all the way back to 2005 for the last time the Tribesmen won in Oriel Park.

Brothers, Daryl and Colm Horgan, are set to face off against one another when the side meet – of course that’s not for the first time.

BETTING

Dundalk 21/20; Draw 23/10; Galway United 23/10.

PREDICTION

Dundalk 1–0 Galway United

Galway United

Injured: Wassim Aouachria.

Doubtful: Garry Buckley.

Suspended: Stephen Walsh.

Dundalk

Injured: Koen Oostenbrink.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.