Preview: Cork City vs Galway United

Galway United head to Turners Cross on Friday night in the hope they can lift themselves from the bottom of the premier league table, with a win over Cork City (kickoff 19:45).

Cork City, however, will be looking for their sixth win in a row in all competitions, since the 3-2 win at the Brandywell on June 1st. Tomorrow night’s visitors have struggled this season, but their form has improved since City’s 3-1 win at Terryland Park in April, and City manager Alan Mathews says that Galway will be tough opponents. Speaking ahead of the game, he told CorkCityFC.ie: “Galway come into Friday’s game off the back of a terrific result in the League Cup against Bray Wanderers on Tuesday night, and will be challenging opponents for us. Galway’s desire for points tonight will be just as keen as our own, and we will have to match their work-rate to ensure that we get the right result.”

With no injuries to report following training this morning, Mathews should have a full strength squad to choose from for the clash. The Rebel Army’s recent good form has seen them move up the table and striker Dave Mooney is on red hot form having scored nine goals in his last five games, and Mathews says he wants his side to continue this tomorrow night: “We also come into the game following a great win up in Drogheda on Tuesday. I have been very pleased with our work-rate and attitude over the last couple of weeks, which has seen us progress up the league table.”

Galway United manager Jeff Kenna, delighted with the 3-0 result against Bray Wanderers will be looking for a strong showing on Friday against the Rebel Army. "We need to start picking up points in the league. The League Cup was a welcome distraction and gave us the space to express ourselves. It's now important that we carry that form into the next few crucial league fixtures."

Ciaran Foley and Marc McCulloch are recovering well, however won't travel to Cork. Both will start in Galway United's A Championship fixture against Limerick 37 on Saturday. Shane Tracy returns from his loan spell at Limerick 37 but will remain sidelined for another 4-6 weeks after a knee operation.

The game kicks off at 7:45.