League Preview: Galway United -v- Cobh Ramblers

Galway United

Galway are looking to keep that winning feeling when they host Cobh Ramblers at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Tribesmen have experienced a major change in fortunes since John Caulfield took over as manager earlier this season.

United have won their last five games in a row, clinching their most recent win on Monday night when Stephen Christopher struck a free-kick into the back of the net in the 99th minute.

With Ramblers just three points behind Galway another win would be an important step in clinching a playoff berth with just five games remaining in the First Division.

“I know a lot of the Cobh Ramblers players, they’re a good team,” manager John Caulfield said, speaking to the club’s website.

“Cobh are challenging for the play-offs and they’re an extremely high energy team, so we know what to expect from them.

“We’re on a great run at the moment ourselves and hopefully we can keep that going.

“Cobh have picked up a few big results in recent weeks, beating Drogheda United and Longford Town, so we know it will be another difficult game.

“We’re looking to keep things going and hopefully the supporters that are at the game will make a good atmosphere once again.”



Cobh Ramblers

Ramblers are suffering from a reverse in their fortunes compared to their opponents on Friday night.

Stuart Ashton’s side had been in a good run of form losing just one First Division game from when the season re-started up until the beginning of September.

They have now lost three on the trot with UCD, Athlone Town and Bray Wanderers all coming out on top in recent weeks against the Cork side.

Cobh now find themselves three points off the playoffs and an inform Galway United could increase that gap further this weekend.

Referee: Gavin Colfer



MATCH STATS

Galway United are on a five match winning streak coming into Friday night’s game.

A win over Cobh could see Galway move into the playoff positions in the First Division.

The last time the sides met they played out a 2-2 draw at St Colman’s Park.

BETTING

Galway United 8/13; Draw 11/4; Cobh Ramblers 7/2.

PREDICTION

Galway United 1–0 Cobh Ramblers

Galway United

Injured: Micheál Schlingermann, Conor Melody and Cian Murphy.

Doubtful: Shane Doherty, Timmy Molloy and Conor Barry.

Suspended: Marc Ludden.

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.