League Preview: Galway United -v- St Patrick's Athletic

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United could take a massive step towards safety should they defeat relegation rivals St Patrick's Athletic at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Tribesmen sit just one point behind the Saints in the final relegation spot with just three games remaining.

A draw with Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds last Friday saw Galway move temporarily to safety, but Sligo Rovers win over Bohemians the following night plunged them back.

"The prize on offer is massive in this game,” Galway manager Shane Keegan told the club's official website.

“If either team wins, they would be placed in a very strong position to confirm their Premier Division safety. It's a huge motivator for both sides.

"St Pats are in good form, they've suffered defeats against Dundalk and Bohemians recently, but they were reduced to ten men in both of those games.

“I was at their game against Limerick last week and they played them off the park, it was daylight robbery that St Pats didn't pick up the three points.

"Our game against Bray Wanderers was so topsy-turvy. Going to Bray initially, we probably would've taken a draw and when you're losing 3-2 with just seven minutes remaining, you definitely would.

"The way the game finished up, there was a few regrets after, but I don't think there should be any. We came from behind twice, we demonstrated our character once again.

“We're not happy to concede three goals, but we battled back twice.”

Keegan will have a full squad to choose from for the tie as he has no injuries or suspensions to worry with.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

A costly last-minute equaliser conceded against Limerick last week saw the Saints miss out on a chance to move three points clear of safety.

It would have been a doubly-important victory for Liam Buckley's side as it would have lifted them above the Blues and three points clear of tonight's opponents.

That result now means three clubs – Pats, Sligo and Galway – are separated by just a point in the race to avoid the drop.

"Last week was very unfortunate as we were denied with the last kick of the game,” Buckley's told the club's official website.

“But we've moved on from that and all focus is now on travelling to Galway and putting in a performance that will get us a result.

"Galway have been in good form for a number of weeks and have picked up points so we know to expect a strong performance from them," Buckley admitted.

"We've played each other three times this season to date and it's been very close on each occasion.

“Shane Keegan encourages his sides to play football so we can expect a good match in front of what will be a big crowd for what is a big game."

Darren Dennehy continues to miss out with a long-term foot injury but goalkeeper Barry Murphy could return following a lengthy absence with a broken rib.

Referee: Rob Rogers

MATCH STATS

The sides have met three times this season, twice in the league, with both of those encounters finishing in a 1-1 stalemate.

Perhaps significantly, given the cup-like nature of this tie, the sides' FAI Cup Second Round meeting saw the Tribesmen run out 2-0 winners at Richmond Park in August.

BETTING

Galway United 6/4; Draw 12/5; St Patrick's Athletic 7/4.

PREDICTION

Galway United 2 – 2 St Patrick's Athletic

Galway United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

St Patrick's Athletic

Injured: Darren Dennehy.

Doubtful: Barry Murphy.

Suspended: None.