League Preview: Galway United -v- Shelbourne

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United will look to push themselves back into contention for a European place when they host league leaders Shelbourne on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Tribesmen suffered a loss at the hands of Shamrock Rovers on Monday night having come from behind to draw 1-1 at half-time – disaster struck late as Garry Buckley scored an own goal to give the visitors the three points.

That loss pushed Galway down to sixth place in the Premier Division but a win on Friday night could lift them back to level on points with Shamrock Rovers, depending on how results go elsewhere.

In terms of the head-to-head form, Damien Duff’s side have the edge having won three of the four contests between the teams – including the FAI Cup penalty win in Tolka Park.

Galway United do have one win over the Reds however, beating them when they visited Eamonn Deacy Park in April, and having taken the scalp of their big title rivals Derry City in recent weeks they could well have another win up their sleeve on Friday night.

United were boosted by the inclusion of Regan Donelon in Monday night’s match day squad, his first time being available since picking up an injury in May.

Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe appears to be ruled out for a longer period and it remains to be seen if Jeannot Esua will be available tomorrow night after the defender came off injured during the game against Shamrock Rovers.

SHELBOURNE

Despite not being in glittering form at this important stage of the season, Damien Duff’s Shelbourne find themselves top of the Premier Division table and four points clear of Derry City.

The Reds last league game ended in a draw against their Northside rivals Bohemians. Ross Tierney scored late on to cancel out Matthew Smith’s goal.

Last weekend their chance at securing a double was ended at the hands of one of their main league title rivals as Derry City ran out 2-0 winners at the Ryan McBride Brandywell last Saturday.

Despite the set back, Duff may well be pleased at least to have the four point gap over the Candystripes in the Premier Division.

“While it was disappointing to go out of the FAI Cup, it’s left us with a single focus, which can only be a good thing,” he said, speaking to the club’s website.

“All our energy is directed towards that one goal, with no distractions. We’re in an unbelievable position right now, and at the start of the season, this is exactly where fans, players, and staff wanted to be with seven games remaining.”

The manager also assessed his side’s previous encounter away from home against the Tribesmen where they lost 1-0: “That game still stings collectively and individually. A game that we dominated possession wise but lacked an edge and an intent. John has done an incredible job and he is a legend of the game but we need to concentrate on us and do what we do best.”

In team news, JJ Lunney and Sam Bone miss out through injury.

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan

MATCH STATS

The last time Shelbourne won a competitive fixture in Galway was in August 2020 in the FAI Cup – that was John Caulfield’s first game in charge of the Tribesmen.

United are coming into this game on the back of a loss – they have only lost consecutive games once in the league this season. They lost to St Patrick’s Athletic and Derry City back in June.

Shels have just one win in their last five league games.

BETTING

Galway United 13/10; Draw 21/10; Shelbourne 2/1.

PREDICTION

Galway United 1–2 Shelbourne

Galway United

Injured: Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe.

Doubtful: Jeannot Esua.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: JJ Lunney, Sam Bone.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.