League Preview: Galway United -v- Sligo Rovers

GALWAY UNITED

Galway manager Shane Keegan finally has a competitive win under his belt this season after his side’s victory over Mayo League in the EA Sports Cup last week.

The Laois man’s attention turns to the Premier Division once again for the re-scheduled game against Sligo Rovers at Eamonn Deacy Park on Monday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The match was originally scheduled for Friday evening only to be rained off, which isn't ideal for either manager, and the tight schedule makes it an even more important game for both sides.

"When you look at the league table, the importance of it, it's far from just a normal game," was Keegan's assessment.

"There is the derby element to it, then there's the fact that we're both struggling at the bottom of the table and need the points. It's extra important.

"There is no point playing the game down. It's a massive game for both sides and both sets of fans too I'm sure.

"If you win a game, all of a sudden your position looks a lot healthier in the table. If you put back-to-back victories together, all of a sudden you're looking very healthy. We have that in us.

"The performances have been there by and large to suggest that we're on the verge of getting it right.

“It's a combination of us being more clinical and cutting out those silly errors that are marring our overall general performances.

“Looking at the results on Friday night and with our game against Derry City also being postponed, that leaves us with two league games in hand.

“In an ideal world, if you could win the two games in hand, you move up into mid table. That’s an extra incentive for the players."

Keegan will be without the services of Maurice Nugent, Padraic Cunningham, Kevin Devaney and Gavan Holohan due to injury, while Alex Byrne is also unavailable after his sending-off against Bohemians.

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo make their first trip to Galway this season with both teams firmly rooted in the relegation zone.

The Bit O’ Red suffered a disheartening loss to Finn Harps last week when they were undone by a last minute winner, in Ballybofey, courtesy of Ciaran O’Connor, but manager Dave Robertson is trying to stay positive.

"Galway are a good footballing side. Every game in which I've managed Sligo Rovers against a Galway side has been entertaining and also decided by just a single goal.

“You can expect an end to end game; this is the type of match everyone looks forward to because you can play and pass the ball with the good surface they have down.

“We played in pre-season and it was a really close game and we can expect something similar on Friday.

"It was extra disappointing to lose in the manner of last week. I have been hurting all week and the players too.

“The one thing we know is this group will stay positive, true to our belief and our style of play. We wanted to build on the positive performances we were starting to produce and we have to get back to that on Friday.

“It's fair to say there is pressure on both team to put more points on the board and we will be doing everything to get three more on Friday."

Robertson almost has a full squad to choose from with Regan Donelon the only absentee for his side. The defender is out with a bruised foot.

Referee: Graham Kelly

MATCH STATS

Galway United and Sligo Rovers have met six times since The Tribesmen returned to the League of Ireland in 2014. United have only managed one victory over their Connacht rivals in that time. That game, in October 2015, finished 2-1.

Sligo have finished ahead of Galway United in the league every year since 2005. The last time The Tribesmen finished above the Bit O’Red was during the 2004 First Division season.

BETTING

Galway United 13/10 ; Draw 21/10 ; Sligo Rovers 21/10.

PREDICTION

Galway United 1-0 Sligo Rovers

Galway United

Injured: Maurice Nugent, Gavan Holohan, Kevin Devaney, Padraic Cunningham.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Alex Byrne.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Regan Donelon.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.