League Preview: Galway United -v- Drogheda United

GALWAY UNITED

Shane Keegan takes charge of his first competitive fixture as Galway United manager after taking up the role last November.

After a promising pre-season which saw The Tribesmen win five of their six friendlies, the former Wexford manager is eagerly anticipating the start of the League of Ireland season.

"The players have gelled really well, we've got quite a few new players in key positions down the spine of the team and it's important for them to bed in as early as possible.

"We don't get carried away with pre-season results, but you have to be encouraged by how well the new players have integrated into the setup. We're building momentum and confidence.

"I can't wait for Friday, I'm really looking forward to walking out on that pitch. Hopefully we will have a really good crowd in. There seems to be a hype around Galway in terms of people being excited about the new season and hopefully that will translate into a big crowd at Eamonn Deacy Park.

"It's my first game in charge, I'm hopeful that we can get off to a positive start and make a good impression on our supporters. We've done the preparation for Drogheda now, there's no reason why we can't be at our absolute best and we're looking to deliver now."

Maurice Nugent has been ruled out with tonsillitis while Ronan Murray and Conor Melody are both doubts with knee injuries and will undergo late fitness tests ahead of the game.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda make their return to the League of Ireland Premier Division against The Tribesmen tonight.

The Boynesiders sealed promotion against Wexford Youths, then managed by Galway United’s Shane Keegan, in last season’s playoffs.

Having kept the core of last season’s squad as well as adding some much needed experience to his side, manager Pete Mahon is optimistic about his side’s chances of avoiding the drop.

“If we’re being honest, there’s only maybe four teams that are capable of winning the league and everyone else will have one eye on avoiding relegation. In the big picture, nothing is going to be won or lost Friday night but the last thing we want is a slow start and run the risk of getting cut adrift.

“I know that all the media outlets and the pundits have Drogheda and Galway, along with Finn Harps, down as three of the favourites for relegation but that doesn’t affect us one bit.

"We are going to embrace this experience, there is nothing to fear. Once we give 100% and play the football that I know we’re capable of, I’m very confident we’ll be finishing clear of the bottom three."

Marc Griffin is an injury doubt for the Boynesiders with a tight hamstring while Mark Doyle is struggling with an ankle complaint. Sean Brennan will miss out having only recently returned to training following his honeymoon while the club is still awaiting international clearance for Ryan McEvoy.

Referee: Robert Hennessy 

MATCH STATS  

This is the first time these sides have met since Monday, August 17 2015, that game finished as a 1-1 draw.

Galway United midfielder Conor Melody made his first start for the club against Drogheda United in the same fixture.

Gavan Holohan signed for Galway this year but the midfielder also had a spell with Drogheda in 2013 and 2014.

BETTING  

Galway United 6/5; Draw 23/10; Drogheda United 23/10.

PREDICTION  

Galway United 2-0 Drogheda United

Galway United

Injured: Maurice Nugent

Doubtful: Ronan Murray, Conor Melody.

Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: None.  

Doubtful: Marc Griffin, Mark Doyle.

Suspended: None.