League Preview: Galway United -v- Sligo Rovers

GALWAY UNITED

The second Connacht Derby of the season takes place on Friday as Galway United host Sligo Rovers at Eamonn Deacy park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

Their first meeting ended in a scoreless draw in April with United now on a six game unbeaten run including that game.

In their last time out, the Tribesmen defeated Bohemians 1-0 at Dalymount Park on Monday.

Maurice Nugent was the goal scorer for United as they moved into fourth place in this season’s Premier Division table.

As the season approaches the midway point it’s clear that United are definitely not pushovers with the concession of just seven goals.

They will need to start finding ways to score more goals however as they have only scored eight times in 14 games.

In team news, Garry Buckley returned to the match day squad on Monday so he is now available after picking up an injury on the first day of the season.

Colm Horgan is presumed to still be injured while Aodh Dervin and Regan Donelon are doubts to feature.

Karl O’Sullivan was sent off after picking up two yellow cards on Monday and the former Rovers player will serve a suspension on Friday night.

SLIGO ROVERS

Despite being four places lower than Galway United at this stage of the season, just three points separate the Bit O’Red from the Tribesmen such is the competitiveness of this year’s campaign.

John Russell’s side put an end to a string of six games without a win on Monday when they beat St Patrick’s Athletic 1-0.

Ellis Chapman netted in the first half to give Rovers the all important three points.

A good result on Friday is important for Rovers as a loss will put a good deal more distance between their position and the top half of the table.

“The players have rested well and it’s another quick turnaround to Galway. We know how big of a game this is for both clubs and sets of supporters and I’d imagine we’ll have a good crowd heading down there. It’s a massive game”, Russell said, speaking to the club’s website.

“Galway have surprised a few since they were promoted. They’re on a great run of form at the moment so we need to maximise our performance levels to get a result down there.

“This league is so competitive and anyone can beat anyone on their day. We’ve seen that so many times since the start of the season with teams at the bottom picking up results against those towards the top.

“The win over Pat’s was important of course. But it is vital now that we go to Galway and continue to build momentum.”

In team news JR Wilson is available after serving a suspension. The injury list is still quite long however with John Mahon, Nando Pijnaker, Will Fitzgerald and Simon Power all out.

Referee: Damien MacGraith

MATCH STATS

This will be the Bit O’ Red’s first visit to Eamonn Deacy Park since 2018 when they emerged victorious in an EA Sports Cup game.

This will be John Russell’s first visit to Deacy Park as manager of Sligo Rovers – the former midfielder began his playing career with Galway United.

BETTING

Galway United 17/20; Draw 21/10; Sligo Rovers 7/2.

PREDICTION

Galway United 1–0 Sligo Rovers

Galway United

Injured: Colm Horgan.

Doubtful: Aodh Dervin, Regan Donelon.

Suspended: Karl O’Sullivan.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: John Mahon, Nando Pijnaker, Will Fitzgerald, Simon Power.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.