League Preview: Galway United -v- Limerick

• Paul Corcoran
• Fri, Jul 07 2017




GALWAY UNITED

Bottom-of-the-table Galway are in a poor run of form with their last victory coming in May against Finn Harps.

 

They host sixth place Limerick on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm) with every game an important one and after a disappointing 1-1 draw against fellow relegation strugglers St Patrick’s Athletic last Friday night.

 

"I think our performance in Richmond Park was our best since the break. In terms of chances created, I thought Conor O'Malley pulled off a number of excellent saves to keep Pats in it,” manager Shane Keegan told the club’s website.

 

"There were chances that we needed to be a bit more clinical with, but at least we were creating the chances. The players were disappointed not to get the three points.

 

"Limerick will provide our players with a real defensive test. You could argue that Tosi and Ogbene are one best partnerships in the league. They're well balanced and the team plays to both of their strengths, so it will be a big test for us.

 

"If we can handle that side of things, I'd be confident that we can create chances again and get on the scoresheet,” he said.

 

Keegan has almost a full squad to choose from with the only injury concern being Aaron Conway after the defender pulled up in training on Thursday morning.

 

The club also confirmed on Thursday that Jesse Devers and Robert Spelman have left the club.

 

 

LIMERICK

The Super Blues are fairly comfortable in mid-table but while Neil McDonald’s side recorded a comfortable victory over Drogheda United last week their form has been very much mixed since the former Blackpool boss took the reins.

 

McDonald is concerned over the threat Galway could pose to his side on Friday night but he also Limerick to come out on top in the end.

 

“The victory in Drogheda has definitely made us look up the league, which is great. There is a big gap in between now but we’re going to try to make that gap a little bit bigger so we’re not looking over our shoulder,” Neil told LimerickFC.ie.

 

“We want to look up as much as we possibly can and by doing that we have to put both aspects of our play together – defensively and attacking wise – and make sure we give ourselves a chance to win more games.

 

“Galway is going to be a tough place to go. Looking at their results over the last few weeks, they haven’t won in seven. But they’re the only team to take points off Cork and that was at home.

 

“They’re only getting beaten by the odd goal. It will be difficult but it’s certainly a task we’re capable of coming away from with some points.”

 

It's almost a clean bill of health at Limerick with the exception of defender Barry Cotter with a knee injury.

 

The club will also be hoping their latest signings Joe Crowe and Henry Cameron will be cleared in time for Friday's match.

 

 

Referee: Neil Doyle

 

 

MATCH STATS

Galway United have not won in seven games.

 

Limerick’s Rodrigo Tosi has been in impressive form so far this season with 10 Premier Division goals to his name.

 

The Tribesmen have played out 8 1-1 draws so far this season. One of those was against Limerick at the Market's Field on April 21.

 

 

BETTING

Galway United 15/8; Draw 12/5 ; Limerick 7/5 .

 

PREDICTION

Galway United 1-1 Limerick FC

 

 

Galway United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Aaron Conway.

Suspended: None.

 

Limerick

Injured: Barry Cotter.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.