League Preview: Galway United -v- Derry City

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United have a chance to move themselves into third place when they host Derry City at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

It may be highly unlikely in the eyes of most onlookers – but the Tribesmen could still bring themselves into the title conversation as a win would bring them just seven points off the top of the table with a game at hand on Derry.

The Shelbourne result at Oriel Park will be another one to watch with regard to the above.

In truth John Caulfield will be looking to get his men into Europe next season and a win would be a great step forward. With Waterford, Sligo and Shamrock Rovers all idle tomorrow night it’s a great chance to leap ahead and put the pressure on.

In their last time out, the Galway men pushed Shamrock Rovers to the limit at Tallaght Stadium last Sunday, the Hoops scored in the last minutes of the game to take a point.

Both side have similar form over the last five games and the Tribesmen certainly won’t fear the Candystripes – even if they are trying to put a stamp on this title race themselves.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the side this season and United have acquitted themselves well, with the sides having a win each and drawing the third game.

DERRY CITY

Derry City will be looking to put a crack of daylight between themselves and Damien Duff’s Shelbourne on Friday night.

If they can win in Galway, and Dundalk can beat Shelbourne, they will go three points clear at the top of the table – although the Reds will still have a game at hand.

Derry are unbeaten in three games and got an important win away to Waterford last week to keep them level at the top of the table.

Ruaidhri Higgins will look to repeat their performance the last time they faced Galway back in June when the Candystripes easily brushed aside the Tribesmen and ran out 2-0 winners.

United have strengthened and added a decent amount of experience to their team since that fixture and Friday night will be a tricky fixture for the visitors to Eamonn Deacy Park.

In team news – City have suffered a major setback with the news that Cameron Dummigan will likely miss the remainder of the season after picking up a hamstring injury during their game against Waterford.

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan

MATCH STATS

The sides have faced each other three times so far this season – they have won a game each, and they drew the third fixture.

The two teams are both unbeaten in three games with two draws and a win coming into Friday night.

It’s just over nine years since the last time Derry City won in Galway, they had a resounding 4-0 win on the bank of the Corrib in August 2015.

BETTING

Galway United 11/5; Draw 21/10; Derry City 6/5.

PREDICTION

Galway United 1–1 Derry City

Galway United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Regan Donelon, Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe.

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: Cameron Dummigan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.