League Preview: Cork City -v- Galway United

CORK CITY

Colin Healy’s side are planning on looking upwards as they take on Galway United on Friday (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Leesiders are unbeaten in three games, without conceding a goal in that period.

But City boss Colin Healy knows that this encounter is likely to be a strong test of their new-found confidence.

“We’ve seen videos of them, they’re a very powerful side. They’re scoring late goals which shows that they are never going to give in, so it will probably go right to the wire on Friday night.”

Despite the challenge posed by the Westerners, he does not intend on sitting back.

“Friday will be another tough game, but we’ll definitely be going for the three points.”

Cian Murphy reiterated that point: “Friday will be a big game for both teams.

“We’re near each other in the league so both teams will be looking to get one over on each other.”

Gearoid Morrissey, Dylan McGlade and Beineón O’Brien-Withmarsh all impressed from the bench in the draw away to league leaders UCD.

They might feature tomorrow night. One player definitely not involved will be Cory Galvin after the club announced his departure during the week.

GALWAY UNITED

It may not have gone as expected for the pre-season favourites, but last weekend’s late win against Wexford saw them move back amongst the chasing pack for promotion.

Much of the pre-match attention is likely to be directed towards John Caulfield. The Galway boss was in charge when Cork achieved league and cup success.

As much as he is proud of his spell there, his mind is on the task at hand.

“My total focus is making sure Galway are up near the top of the table come the tail end of the campaign; we have to play to our best to get a result on Friday night.”

Wexford took Galway to the very end and he knows to expect late drama again. “They are strong defensively and as I always say, we need to perform to our best to get results.”

David Hurley might get a chance after his goal from the bench last week.

Referee: Alan Carey

MATCH STATS

This will the sides first league meeting since July 2017. A 2-1 win kept the home side on top as they went on to win the league.

Galway came out on top the last time both sides played, however. A 1-0 victory in the FAI Cup prevented City from reaching the final for the first time in 5 years.

Cork has never played Galway at this level. They did play Galway-based Mervue though.

BETTING

Cork City 13/8, Draw 12/5, Galway 13/10

PREDICTION

Cork City 1 - 1 Galway United

Cork City

Injured: Rob Slevin, Steven Beattie, George Heaven

Doubtful: Alec Byrne

Suspended: None.

Galway United

Injured: Francely Lomboto, Ronan Manning

Doubtful: Conor O’Keeffe, Shane Doherty

Suspended: None.