League Preview: Galway United -v- St Patrick's Athletic

GALWAY UNITED

The Tribesmen will look to keep themselves in the mix for a European place when they host St Patrick’s Athletic at Eamonn Deacy Park on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

With Sligo Rovers and Waterford winning their games this weekend, three points for Galway would see them draw level in third place once again.

In their last fixture they bounced back from a tough defeat to the Bit O’Red with a 2-0 win over Dundalk at Oriel Park.

Stephen Walsh was the man of the moment, not for the first time this season, as he netted a brace to give Galway United an important three points.

The striker now sits on seven goals for the season.

The Tribesmen will be looking to make amends for two losses to the Athletic already this season, both by narrow margins.

They conceded late in Richmond Park in May to lose the second fixture and the Tribesmen may well still feel hard done by the nature in which they lost that night.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

For the Saints, they have found it tough on the road this season with not a single victory away from Inchicore all season – aside from the opening night of the Premier Division campaign.

That night they spoiled Galway United’s return to the Premier Division with a 1-0 win over the Tribesmen at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Stephen Kenny’s side may well have one eye on next Thursday when they play the second leg of their Conference League third qualifying round game against Sabah.

It’s a tough turnaround for the Inchicore side having only played the first leg last Thursday night although they will be happy that they have a one goal lead to take into that second leg.

Another thread to watch out for is the return of Al Amin Kazeem to Eamonn Deacy Park for the first time since his departure from the banks of the Corrib.

The defender spent the first half of the season on loan with United from Colchester United and opted to sign for the Saints on a permanent basis during the summer transfer window.

A popular figure while at Deacy Park, the general temperature of fan sentiment in Galway suggests he will get a frosty reception from the stands on Sunday afternoon.

Referee: Daniel Murphy

MATCH STATS

John Caulfield’s men have lost both meetings with the Saints so far this season.

The Saints have won just once on the road this season and that was back in February when they beat United at Eamonn Deacy Park.

United are unbeaten in seven games at home, a run which stretches back to April.

BETTING

Galway United 21/20; Draw 11/5; St Patrick’s Athletic 23/10.

PREDICTION

Galway United 1–0 St Patrick’s Athletic

Galway United

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.