League Preview: Galway FC -v- Finn Harps

GALWAY FC

This Friday sees Galway FC entertain Finn Harps at Eamonn Deacy Park (Kick-off - 7:45 pm).

Through to the EA Sports Cup quarter-finals, and sitting third in the First Division rankings, the league's new boys have competed strongly after their opening 10 matches, and they're looking to make it three home wins from three when the Donegal outfit arrive.

So far, so good for Tommy Dunne and company – they've even got new kits in recent weeks to reflect the lush performances they've been churning out.

With players such as Jake Keegan, Ryan Connolly and teenage sensation Ryan Manning grabbing the headlines in recent weeks, don't be surprised to see them continue their good home form once again.

And with many of them capable of producing jaw-dropping strikes, supporters thronging to Galway City will be hoping for yet more long-range efforts to wow them.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Dunne spoke highly of the visiting team: “Finn Harps are flicking between a couple of systems, but from our side of things, it's more about what we get involved in and what we do. The last time we played Finn Harps here they had the better of the first half but I thought the second half was even enough.”

He also spoke of his own side's desire to keep pushing for better performances: “We have to try and impose our game and our style of play on matches more, we were a bit disappointed up in Dublin against Shamrock Rovers, we didn't control the match enough, and we will be looking to stamp our authority on games more.”

FINN HARPS

A recent 2-0 win over Cobh Ramblers was a welcome boost for the spectators who travelled to St. Colmans Park, and it helped them to recover somewhat from a poor run of three consecutive league defeats.

But if Ollie Horgan can't oversee a snappy turnaround sometime soon, it's difficult to envisage exactly how they'll avoid struggling this season – let alone how they'll complete the back-to-back away wins they're aiming for.

Effectively, it's vital they nip their slump in the bud.

Back before the season began, the Extratime.ie team forecasted how the 2014 season would pan out, and Finn Harps were scheduled to end up in sixth position – not too far away from where they are now.

Galway, on the other hand, were predicted to win the title.

And with each team's fortunes heading in the expected directions, there shouldn't be too many surprises on Friday. But in football, anything can happen, and with some great individual talent such as their left-back James Doherty among their ranks, Galway will still have to work a bit to get the result they need.

Referee: Eoghan O'Shea

MATCH STATS

The most recent meeting between the sides, in the EA Sports Cup, ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Dunne's men, with Vinny Faherty getting the all-important strike after just six minutes.

Finn Harps' top league goalscorer so far this season is Pat McCann with four goals. He's netted against Shamrock Rovers B and basement-dwellers Cobh Ramblers.

Harps' 2-0 win over Ramblers last time out was their first win in seven.

BETTING

Galway 8/13; Draw 5/2; Finn Harps 4/1

PREDICTION

A relatively comfortable victory for Galway. Harps have potential, but it's unlikely to be enough. A final score of 3-1.

Galway FC

Injuries: Alan Murphy (ankle), Ross Kenny (knee), Jason Molloy (shoulder)
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: Stephen Walsh

Finn Harps

Injuries: Kevin McHugh (hamstring)
Doubtful: Ruairi Keating (back)
Suspensions: None