EA Sports Cup Preview: Galway United -v- Finn Harps

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United welcome Finn Harps to Eamonn Deacy Park for an EA Sports Cup First Round clash on Monday night (kick-off is set for 7.45 pm).

Re-starting life in the upper echelons against Derry City didn't exactly go according to plan for Galway, but with a clash against Finn Harps to now focus on, they will expect to get a confidence-boosting win under their belts on Monday night.

Playing some great football in the opening half, The Tribesmen looked good and had an air of confidence about them once the chances started to flow, but unfortunately things began to change upon the commencement of the second half and thus are currently without any league points after gameweek 1.

Welcoming Harps to their home pitch this week offers Western based side a chance to get back to basics and power through with a win.

Manager Tommy Dunne speaking to www.galwayunitedfc.ie revealed he is expecting a testing battle nonetheless.

“Finn Harps are a strong outfit, they had a match against Shelbourne on Friday night and we have plenty of information on that game. We know its going to be a tough task against them, it always is,” he said.

“We know the game against Harps will be tough. All of our games against them last year were battles but we want to do well in all competitions this year and hopefully we can pick up our first home win of the season,” Dunne concluded.

FINN HARPS

Drawing against Shelbourne at Tolka Park in their First Division opener, Finn Harps got a point on the board to kick-start their season.

They'll be hoping for a lot more going forward however, as they look to gain promotion by the end of 2015.

Harps will be hoping the likes of Michael Funston will create havoc down the wing against Galway, a player who experienced some great joy at times against Shels.

However, they'll also want to lob in some teasing crosses to see how United's unfamiliar defence deals with them.

Make no mistake, another danger man could well be Wilfried Tagbo. A player who's already netted for them in pre-season, his eagerness to make an impact could see him become a nuisance on the night.

Speaking on his arrival at the club, the Parisien said: “I can promise Finn Harps supporters that when I get my chance to play they will see a player who works very hard for the team.”

Referee: Robert Hennessy

MATCH STATS

Galway United have already met Finn Harps this year, when they drew 0-0 in a pre-season friendly at Moyne Villa in Headford.

The last time these two sides met in this competition, Dunne's men beat the First Division outfit 1-0, with the now departed Vinny Faherty grabbing the only goal of the encounter.

Indeed, Harps failed to beat Galway at all last season. In their four league meetings in 2014, the Donegal-based outfit drew three times before eventually losing 3-0.

BETTING

Galway 8/15; Draw 14/5; Finn Harps 4/1

PREDICTION

Eager to bounce back from their recent loss to Derry City, the Premier Division's new boys ought to grab the win they crave. Expect their midfield to take control, use the ball intelligently and don't be surprised to see Jake Keegan get on the score-sheet for his first goal of the season. A final score of 3-1 to the hosts.

Galway United

Injuries: Killian Cantwell (knee), Ger Hanley (achilles), Marc Ludden (muscle strain)

Doubtful: Alex Byrne (knee), Sam Oji (back)

Suspensions: None.

Finn Harps

Injuries: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspensions: None