19.45 22 Jul 2016 -
Referee:
League Preview: Galway United -v- Wexford Youths
- Dave Donnelly
- Fri, Jul 22 2016
GALWAY UNITED
Galway United host competitive opposition at home for the first time in seven weeks as they welcome Wexford Youths to Eamonn Deacy Park (kick-off 7.45pm).
Tommy Dunne's men are without a win since May 14th, when they beat Bray Wanderers by the odd goal in three at the Carlisle Grounds, and have seen their challenge for the top three taper off somewhat.
Dunne's side sit in fifth, nine points behind fourth-place Shamrock Rovers, and will need to re-discover their goalscoring touch, having managed just two in the last five league and cup games.
"In the second phase, we haven't picked up as many points as we would've liked.
"We've been down to ten men in consecutive home matches. Overall, our performance, desire and hunger needs to improve. We need to go a higher level.
"The Wexford Youths game is hugely important. We know how strong they are. We know their threats. They're a physical outfit who are always very well organised.
"Since I've come in as manager of Galway United, every game we've faced them in has always been incredibly tight.
"That said, we feel that we must perform at home and get back to our best. We're looking forward to the game and finally getting back in-front of our own supporters again.
"We feel confident enough that if we perform on the day, we can achieve a positive result."
Dunne will be without Jesse Devers, who broke his hand in a training accident, while Alex Byrne and Marc Ludden are rated doubtful. Armin Aganovic returns from suspension, while new signing Sam Ramsbottom may be available subject to international clearance.
WEXFORD YOUTHS
Defeat to Cork City at Ferrycarrig Park two weeks ago made it five losses on the bounce for Shane Keegan's side.
Indeed, since they defeated Shamrock Rovers in May, Youths' only victories have come over non-league opposition, Collinstown and Firhouse Clover, in the Leinster Senior Cup and FAI Cup respectively.
More worrying for Keegan, his side haven't scored a single goal in any of the last four defeats since they conceded a last-minute goal to fall 3-2 to the champions Dundalk.
Keegan will be able to call on new signing Shane Dempsey, but Aidan Keenan and Lee Grace remain absent with injury while Ryan Delaney may not feature as he considers an offer from Burton Albion.
Referee: David McKeon
MATCH STATS
The last time the sides met in the Premier Division this season, Galway United ran out 2-0 winners at Ferrycarrig Park.
Previously, the sides met four times in the First Division in 2014, with Galway winning twice to Youths' one, with another meeting ending in a draw.
The sides met in the third round of that year's EA Sports Cup, with Youths winning 4-3 on penalties after the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
BETTING
Galway United 8/11; Draw 13/5; Wexford Youths 7/2.
PREDICTION
Galway United 2 - 0 Wexford Youths
Galway United
Injured: Jesse Devers (hand).
Doubtful: Alex Byrne (groin), Marc Ludden (calf).
Suspended: None.
Wexford Youths
Injured: Aidan Keenan, Lee Grace.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Gary Delaney.