League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Galway United

ATHLONE TOWN

Adrian Carberry’s side will be looking for their first win of the season when they host Galway United on the First Division on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Town will be pleased with themselves having made it through to the last eight of the FAI Cup for the first time since 2006 with a win over Wexford last week.

They are still looking for a first win of the season in the League and have just two points from their opening eight games this season.

A win would draw them level with Friday night’s opponents Galway United. They have scored twice as many League goals as Galway but also conceded three times as many.

Last time the sides met they played out a 2-2 draw at Eamonn Deacy Park with Galway’s Francely Lomboto just about rescuing a point for The Tribesmen.

That meant the run of games in which Athlone have failed to get a win over Galway that stretches back to 2006 continued.

In terms of team news, Adrian Carberry is without the services of Lee Duffy after his sending off during their FAI Cup match against Wexford last week.

GALWAY UNITED

Friday night sees John Caulfield take charge of his first League game as manager of Galway United.

The former Cork City boss began his tenure with The Tribesmen with a 5-2 loss to Shelbourne in the FAI Cup last week.

With his side in a desperate run of form in the League so far this season, the manager will be hoping to get a first win against Athlone.

"Adrian Carberry is rebuilding Athlone's team, they had a good win against Wexford in the Cup last week,” Caulfield said, speaking to the club’s website.

"In my experience, a lot of the teams in the First Division are quite equal, we know how good Athlone can be on their day.

"We've had another good week of training in preparation, we know the game will be a tight affair, but we're hopeful of getting our first league win of the season.

"There's been a good buzz in training this week, winning breeds confidence and that's what we need to do now."

The list of injuries has reduced in recent weeks for The Tribesmen but long-term absentees Joshua Smith, Cian Murphy, Conor Melody and Micheál Schlingermann are all still sidelined.

Referee: Oliver Moran

MATCH STATS

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

Former Tribesman Ronan Manning is among the top scorers in the First Division this season with four goals for Athlone.

Athlone and Galway are without a win in the First Division this season, both sides have played eight times so far.

BETTING

Athlone Town 7/2; Draw 3/1; Galway United 4/7.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 1–2 Galway United

Athlone Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Galway United

Injured: Joshua Smith, Cian Murphy, Conor Melody and Micheál Schlingermann.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.