EA Sports Cup Preview: Galway United -v- Derry City

• Gareth Penrose
• Mon, Apr 17 2017




Galway United will vie with Derry City for a place in the last eight of the EA SPORTS Cup at Eamonn Deacy Park on Easter Monday. Kick-off: 7.45pm.

 

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United come into this game having drawn against Sligo Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic and suffered a 1-0 loss away to Bray Wanderers.

 

After a late rally against St Patrick's Athletic at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night, Shane Keegan is hoping United, buoyed by the return of a number of crucial players from injury, can book their place in the quarter final of the EA SPORTS Cup.

 

"It's nice to play in a different competition, it's a game we will be absolutely looking to win, we want to progress to the next round," Keegan told www.galwayunitedfc.ie.

 

"We will tweak it, we will make a few changes, but I think a lot of those changes, if anything, are strengthening the team. Gavan Holohan is coming back, Kevin Devaney is coming back in. That's not weakening the team. 

 

"We will probably look to throw in one or two of the young players and see how they get on, it will be a good opportunity for them.

 

"It would be a huge positive if we were to progress in the EA SPORTS Cup because we're really looking to get to the next round and it would be a big confidence boost heading into the Limerick game on Friday."

 

Galway United are boosted by the return of Kevin Devaney, Gavan Holohan and Padraic Cunningham from injury.

 

Jesse Devers (hamstring) is United's sole absentee for the visit of Derry City. 

 

DERRY CITY

Kenny Shiels' Derry City side come into Monday's Cup tie on the back of three league defeats – Bray Wanderers (2-3), Cork City (0-3) and Finn Harps (0-2).

 

The Candystripes boss has an almost full squad to choose from. Nicky Low is doubtful but Lukas Schubert is likely to miss out with a thigh strain.

 

Talking to the Derry Journal ahead of the game, Shiels was clear that this cup tie is an important game for both sides as they look to kick start their seasons and get a moral boasting victory under their belts.  

 

The Derry manager also wanted his team to avoid excuses for their performances and instead do something about it.

 

Kick off is 7.45pm

 

Referee: Anthony Buttimer

 

MATCH STATS

Derry City are League Cup Kings – they have won the competition 10 times, twice as many times as second placed Dundalk with 5.

 

Galway United on the other hand has won twice. – the last time back in the late 90’s.  

 

Derry City won this competition four years in a row – 2005,  06, 07 and 08.

 

BETTING

Galway United 3/1; Draw 5/2; Derry City 5/6

 

PREDICTION

Galway United 1 – 1 Derry City and a winner via penalties

 

Galway United

Injured: Jess Devers (hamstring)

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

 

Derry City

Injured: Lukas Schubert

Doubtful: Nicky Low

Suspended: None