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

• Paul Corcoran
• Fri, Jun 30 2017




ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

The Saints sit just one place above their opponents at Richmond Park tonight with just a point separating the troubled sides at the bottom (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

A win for the Inchicore team would put some daylight between themselves and the Tribesmen, and could even drag them out of the relegation zone for the time being.

 

Liam Buckley’s side performed admirably last week when they came back from a two goal deficit to draw with Limerick at Markets Field but their manager will be targeting a win tonight in Richmond Park.

 

"I was disappointed we didn’t win last week. Even though we were two goals down, I thought we were the better team,” Buckley told the club's website.

 

“We'd be disappointed with the two goals we gave away, but credit to the lads in that they rallied to get back into the game and were unlucky not to win it.

 

"We're heading into this game now on Friday against Galway knowing that the onus is on us to take the initiative in the game.

 

“Galway are a good side and have picked some good results this season, so we’d expect them to come to Inchicore on Friday and really test us,” he added.

 

Kurtis Byrne is a doubt for The Saints with a hamstring injury and will undergo a late fitness test tonight.

 

Captain Ian Bermingham misses out due to suspension while Darren Dennehy is still ruled out with an ankle injury.

 

 

GALWAY UNITED

The Tribesmen have lost two games since last Friday night starting with Bray Wanderers at home and then a losing visit against Dundalk in Oriel Park.

 

United are in a very similar position to their opponents tonight and a win would be equally important for both sides.

 

Shane Keegan’s men have lost five of their last six matches and the manager recognizes the importance of this game for his side’s season.

 

“It’s a huge game for both sides. The fact that they’re the home team, they probably feel they must win,” Keegan told the club’s website.

 

“With us being away, we probably feel like it’s a must not lose game, although obviously the intention is very much for us to go there and try and win it.

 

“They will be disappointed enough with their home form this season, so we will be hoping that won’t be a huge advantage for them.”

 

“There is nobody under any illusions about the game, it’s the start of a five week run that’s probably going to decide where we finish in the league table and it’s really important that we get off to a good start.”

 

 

Referee: Derek Tomney

 

 

MATCH STATS

Galway United haven’t won any of their last 20 away games. Their last away win was a 2-1 victory over Bray Wanderers in May 2016.

 

The Saints have the worst home form so far this season losing six of their nine home games.

 

Tonight’s game will be the 84^th competitive meeting between the sides.

 

 

BETTING

St Patrick’s Athletic evens; Draw 5/2 ; Galway United 13/5.

 

PREDICTION

St Patrick’s Athletic 1-0 Galway United

 

 

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Darren Dennehy.

Doubtful: Kurtis Byrne.

Suspended: Ian Bermingham.

 

Galway United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Gavan Holohan.

Suspended: None.