WNL Preview: Galway WFC -v- Wexford Youths Women

GALWAY WFC

Galway welcome third-placed Wexford Youths Women in the unfamiliar setting of the University of Limerick Bowl in their first game back after the midseason break (kick-off 7pm).

The game has been moved to Limerick to coincide with the university's hosting of the FAI Gaynor Cup, which is contested by schoolgirl clubs nationwide at under-14 and under-16 level.

Galway ran out surprise winners over then-table-topping UCD Waves in their last outing, as Sinead Taylor scored the game's only goal at Jackson Park.

Waves gained some measure of revenge the following week, however, winning 3-0 as the sides met again in the Women's National League Cup, this time at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Galway boss Billy Clery has an extensive injury list to deal with as Aislinn Meaney, Tessa Mullins and Theresa Hartley are all out. Shaunagh Jackson will undergo a late fitness test.

WEXFORD YOUTHS WOMEN

Wexford travel to Limerick knowing that a win could see them top the table, depending on results in the games between Peamount and Shelbourne, and UCD and Kilkenny United.

Youths sit joint-second in the table, two points behind leaders Peamount and level with the Students, with a game in hand on both sides.

However they will have to arrest a three-game losing streak, having lost to Cork City in their last league tie before falling to Shelbourne and UCD in the cup and shield respectively.

Nevertheless, the 2014-15 and 2015-16 league winners are well-poised going into the second half of the campaign and will look to build on strong early-season form.

"I am looking forward to the second half of the season,” Youths manager Laura Heffernan told the club's media team.

“We are almost back to a full strength squad, and hopefully that will give us the boost to kick on again.

The game is a really exciting one, and everyone in the club is looking forward to playing in front of the Gaynor Cup participants.

"I am delighted to be playing in Limerick, it gives people a chance here to see the standard and quality in the Women's National League.”

Heffernan will be without Edel Kennedy, while creative midfielder Emma Hansberry is a doubt, but Rianna Jarrett could make her long-awaited return after a year out with a cruciate ligament injury.

Referee: xxx

MATCH STATS

The sides have met once before this season, on the opening day when goals from Limerick native Claire O'Riordan and Emma Hansberry saw Wexford win 2-0 at Ferrycarrig Park.

There were three meetings between the teams last year, two in the league and one in the cup, with Wexford victorious on each occasion.

BETTING

Galway WFC N/A; Draw N/A; Wexford Youths Women N/A.

PREDICTION

Galway WFC 0 – 2 Wexford Youths Women

Galway WFC

Injured: Aislinn Meaney, Tessa Mullins, Theresa Hartley.

Doubtful: Shaunagh Jackson.

Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths Women

Injured: Edel Kennedy.

Doubtful: Emma Hansberry, Rianna Jarrett.

Suspended: None.