League Preview: Galway United -v- Athlone Town

GALWAY UNITED

The Tribesmen begin their First Division campaign when Athlone Town make the short trip down the M6 to Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

While a large contingent from last year’s squad has been retained at Galway, manager Alan Murphy has also strengthened his side significantly with 14 players joining the club in the off-season.

United will be looking to challenge for promotion this season and Murphy’s men will be looking to secure the three points on Friday to get their season up and running.

"I think the staff, players and community as a whole are looking forward to the league starting at the weekend. A lot of work has gone in since last season, the players are rearing to go and they're looking forward to having a really competitive game,” Murphy told the club’s website.

"We could see from the first round of games in the Premier Division last week that there was very little between the teams and they were all 1-0 wins, so it will be difficult.

"I'm sure Athlone Town have recruited well in the off-season and they have a few of our past players now also, which will make it interesting.

"We won't take Athlone for granted and we'll give them the respect that they're due, but we'll very much be focused on ourselves and on the good work that we've done over the last few months."

Alan Murphy has almost a full contingent to choose from on Friday night but he will still be without the injured Jack O’Connor (groin) and Conor Melody (knee). Marc Ludden is also absent, the left back married recently and is away on his honeymoon.

ATHLONE TOWN

With 23 new players joining the club and a new manager at the helm, Athlone Town are, as usual, a bit of an unknown quantity at this stage of the season.

The club are relying on a slew of young players and will more than likely struggle in most games.

Joel Coustrain coming in from Shamrock Rovers was an eye catching move during the winter and it will be interesting to see how he performs throughout the season.

Several players have made the move from Galway too which will add a bit more interest to Friday night’s game. 

The Midlands club avoided the bottom of the First Division for the first time in four years last season and they will no doubt be determined to hit the ground running in the opening game of the season.

Referee: Mark Moynihan

MATCH STATS

4 of Athlone Town’s 2020 squad are former Galway United players— Ronan Manning, Ronan Asgari, Adam Rooney and Joshua Keane Quinlivan.

Athlone Town last beat Galway back in June 2006 with a 1-0 win over The Tribesmen at St Mel’s Park.

Both Athlone Town’s manager Adrian Carberry and Galway United assistant manager Colin Fortune have played for both clubs.

BETTING

Galway United 3/10; Draw 7/2; Athlone Town 7/1.

PREDICTION

Galway United 3–0 Athlone Town

Galway United

Injured: Jack O’Connor and Conor Melody.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Athlone Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.