EA Sports Cup Preview: Galway United -v- Dundalk FC

Eamonn Deacy Park is the stage where Galway United will welcome Dundalk for the EA Sports Cup Semi-Final (Kick-Off 4pm).

GALWAY UNITED

Galway enter this game fresh from a crucial away win at Finn Harps where Gavan Holohan and Ronan Murray were on the scoresheet as Shane Keegan’s side moved to within two points of 9th placed Harps.

However, Galway will have to make do without the services of Ronan Murray who scored a brace on Friday night as he has picked up a suspension. Jonah Ayunga will also play no part in this tie as he is cup-tied following his spell at Connacht rivals Sligo. In positive news, Conor Melody has returned from an injury to aid Shane Keegans charges.

Speaking ahead of the game with galwayunitedfc.ie, manager Shane Keegan has said that he is looking forward to the prospect of hosting Dundalk in the semi-final

“The game couldn’t have come at a better time for us.

“There is a lot of positivity about the club. We’ve won three of our last four games. The players are in a good frame of mind. The Finn Harps result was fantastic

“What more could you ask for now, we’re playing the current league champions, it’s a nice game to look forward to. The players understand the extent of the challenge, but they’re embracing it

“It’s a cliche, but it is a nice distraction from the toil of the league campaign for us. To reach a semi-final has been nice, but with the added morale at the moment, if we could pull of a result and reach the final, the morale would go through the roof.”

However, Keegan is well aware of the challenge facing his side and is expecting Dundalk to take this game very seriously with runaway leaders Cork City so far ahead of the Lilywhites in the League.

“You would’ve liked to have seen Dundalk in a tighter race for first, they might’ve taken their eye off the ball a bit then. In all likelihood, they won’t win the league this year, so Stephen will be looking at both Cups and they’ll be going full pelt for it.”

DUNDALK FC

With the league title race seeming to be long gone for Dundalk, the EA Sports Cup seems like one of the only two chances that they have in order to bring some silverware home to Oriel Park.

Last time out, the Lilywhites came out on top against Galway in the Premier Division with a 2-0 victory. Dane Massey and Patrick McEleney came up with the goals on that occasion as they beat the Tribesmen in Oriel Park.

In team news, Dundalk will be able to count on Patrick McEleney after he made his return to the team from injury at home to Limerick last week. Thomas Stewart is a doubt after picking up a back strain ahead of Friday night’s game. Dane Massey isn't expected to play any part in Galway as he is suffering with a calf strain.

Speaking about the game with dundalkfc.ie, full-back Sean Gannon has stressed the importance of the 3-0 home win over Limerick on Friday night by saying that it is crucial they are in good form ahead of this game.

“We moved on from that, prepared well all week and put in a good performance tonight – we know this is a massive week for us going into the two cup games so we need to make sure that we’re going in in good form”

Gannon is also expecting a very difficult game away to Galway in the cup semi-final and is hoping a vocal travelling contingent will make themselves heard in Eamonn Deacy Park.

“It’s going to be a tough game. With it being the semi-final of the cup they’re going to be right up for it and so are we. I hope there is going to be great support for us there and they get behind us to push us over the line.

“We are going to prepare properly over the weekend, we’ll recover well and get ready to go again Monday.”

Referee: Ray Matthews

MATCH STATS

Galway have been in good form recently after picking up 3 wins in their last 4 games, with their last defeat coming away to Cork City at Turners Cross.

In Dundalk's last trip to Galway, they were beaten by two goals to one as they struck an early blow to “The Lilywhites” title ambitions.

Galway have won the last the two games between the pair at Eamonn Deacy Park, as a result Dundalk haven't won away in Galway since August 2015.

Last time the pair met in the EA Sports Cup, Galway came out on top after a penalty shootout, with Ronan Finn and Dave McMillan missing the crucial spot kicks.

BETTING

Galway United 11/2 Draw 3/1 Dundalk 1/2

PREDICTION

Galway United 1-2 Dundalk

Galway United

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Ronan Murray.

Cup-Tied: Jonah Ayunga

Dundalk FC

Injured: None

Doubtful: Thomas Stewart, Dane Massey

Suspended: None