League Preview: Galway United -v- Waterford

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United will be looking to make it two wins from two when they host Waterford at Eamonn Deacy Park in the First Division on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Tribesmen opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Cork City at Turner’s Cross last Friday courtesy of Ed McCarthy’s first goal for the club.

Having been reduced to ten men early in the second half when Wilson Waweru picked up a second yellow card – they defended expertly to deny the Rebels an equalizer as they held out for their first win at Turner’s Cross in nearly 30 years.

“We are playing the table-toppers on Friday, they have won their first two games so we know how good they are,” Caulfield told the club’s media team.

“We had a tremendous win in Cork last week. It is our first home game of the season so hopefully we will have a massive crowd and a fantastic atmosphere. When Terryland is buzzing it gives positive energy to the players.

“It is the start of the season and we know it is a marathon. We will have to play as well as we did in Cork, if not better, to get a result on Friday.”

The only absentee for Galway United will be the suspended Wilson Waweru with presumably Jordan Adeyemo coming in to make his first start for the Tribesmen in place of his fellow striker.

WATERFORD

Ian Morris’ Waterford are sitting on top of the First Division after two games played having defeated Athlone Town and Bray Wanderers to open their campaign.

Last weekend Louis Britton’s second goal of the season saw them defeat Bray at the RSC a week after they put five goals past Athlone to win 5-2.

“Last week we weren’t anywhere near what we’ve been like the previous few weeks, but we’re delighted with the three points,” Ian Morris said, speaking to the club’s media team.

“They are the type of games where you have to dig in; you need to break them down and then dig in.

“It’s two wins from two – that was our objective, so we move onto the next game. We had chances to probably make the game a bit easier, but it doesn’t always happen.

“I know we can be a lot better. The lads take confidence from that to bring into Galway now. We dealt with everything that was thrown at us, we got the points and now look to Galway on Friday.”

Waterford have nearly a full squad to choose from with the only absentee being defender Killian Cantwell who continues his recovery after picking up a serious injury in pre season.

Referee: Alan Patchell

MATCH STATS

This will be the first meeting between the sides since 2019 when Waterford knocked Galway United out of the EA Sports Cup in the second round.

Waterford and Galway are meeting for the first time in the League since the 2014 First Division – the Tribesmen emerged victorious in their last meeting that season winning 1-0.

Both sides have 100%-win records this season coming into Friday night.

BETTING

Galway United 6/4; Draw 23/10; Waterford 6/4.

PREDICTION

Galway United 1–1 Waterford

Galway United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Wilson Waweru.

Waterford

Injured: Killian Cantwell.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.