League Preview: Galway United -v- Wexford

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United will be looking to continue their unbeaten run in the First Division when they host Wexford at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Tribesmen are on the home stretch of the regular season and though they were much improved across the second half of the season Shelbourne still managed to wrap up the First Division title race weeks ago.

However, they can clinch second place with a win over Wexford on Friday and at least on paper that shouldn’t be a problem for John Caulfield’s side.

Their last time out in the First Division was an away trip to Cobh Ramblers with the Tribesmen claiming a 1-0 win at St Colman’s Park thanks to a Ruairí Keating goal in the first half, although the striker will want to put his penalty miss later in the game behind him quickly as Galway prepare for the playoffs in a few weeks’ time.

Wexford’s record in Galway will give the Tribesmen confidence with Ian Ryan’s side never winning at Eamonn Deacy Park in their history- it’s been five years since the last time they defeated the Maroon Army at all.

United manager John Caulfield is keen for his side to keep up the winning momentum ahead of the play-offs.

"This is an exciting time of the season and we are delighted to have two home games in a row," Caulfield told the club's media team.

"It was encouraging to claim back-to-back victories over UCD and Cobh Ramblers ahead of the playoffs.

"We know about the threat Wexford carry and they have put in several impressive displays throughout the season. In our previous two fixtures against Wexford we saw what a tough team they can be to overcome.

"We need to keep our performances good and we need to win games. Winning gives you that confidence so hopefully we can keep doing that up until and including the play-offs."

Francely Lomboto and Ronan Manning remain out of action due to injuries. Mikie Rowe will miss this week's game due to suspension.

WEXFORD

It’s been another tough year for Wexford up to this point, though with a managerial change mid-season the side have been vastly improved.

Last week Cork City ran out 4-0 winners although Wexford had been on a three-game winning streak going into last Friday.

With just two games left for Ian Ryan’s side it’s unfortunately looking like they will still take the wooden spoon this season with four points separating themselves and Cobh Ramblers at the moment.

The aforementioned record against Galway should be a concern for the side but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility for Wexford to nick a result off Galway as they have shown against some of the stronger teams in the Division in the second half of this season.

Lorcan Fitzgerald is suspended for the game.

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea

MATCH STATS

Galway United are on a four game unbeaten run coming into Friday night’s fixture.

Galway United were last beaten by Wexford on Friday, 14 October 2016 at Ferrycarrig Park in a bizarre game that finished 5-4. Youths took a five goal lead in the game before Galway got back to within a goal.

Wexford have never won a game at Eamonn Deacy Park.

BETTING

Galway United 1/4; Draw 4/1; Wexford 15/2.

PREDICTION

Galway United 2–0 Wexford

Galway United

Injured: Francely Lomboto and Ronan Manning

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Mikie Rowe

Wexford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Lorcan Fitzgerald