League Preview: Galway FC -v- Shelbourne

GALWAY FC

A crucial clash of two of the First Division's best teams sees Galway FC entertain Shelbourne at Eamonn Deacy Park this Friday (kick-off 7.45 pm).

Coming off the back of a heartening 4-1 win over basement dwellers, Cobh Ramblers, Tommy Dunne's men enter the tie in red-hot form, and will feel confident of, at the very least, giving a good account of themselves. 

And with just four points separating the sides, the incentive is there for the Tribesmen to close the gap even further after watching the Dublin side stutter to a disappointing draw against Finn Harps last weekend. 

Ryan Connolly and Connor Gleeson are both expected to feature at some point despite illness, and so the hosts have received a timely boost that might prove key. 

Speaking ahead of the big game, Dunne didn't mince his words about just how important this match is. 

“Second plays third, we don't need to mention how significant this fixture is, we need to be pushing on and getting as high up the table as we possibly can.

“If we can pick up the three points then we'll be right behind Shelbourne. We go into two difficult fixtures with Shelbourne at home and Wexford away, they're all difficult, then Longford away and Dundalk. That's a very tough run of games.”

Clearly, this is a do or die juncture in Galway's season, and if they can get the ball rolling with a positive result against the Reds on Friday, they'll feel a lot more confident of securing a promotion spot in the coming months.

SHELBOURNE

Two draws, three wins and one loss is how the form guide reads for Shelbourne over the course of their last six league matches – relatively patchy at a pivotal time in the season. 

But with a four point cushion built up over the past few weeks, at least they have something to fall back on for now.

Nevertheless, they have fond memories of visiting Terryland this season as they won the match between the pair the last time they visited, with club top scorer for the season Dylan Connolly snatching a late, late winner.

Now six points behind First Division league leaders, Longford Town - the team with the best defensive record across either tier – Johnny McDonnell's team will be keen to up the ante after a series of disappointing results of late. 

Slipping up now would condemn them to a few more weeks of feeling the pressure, something the players could very much do without at this stage of the season. 

Fans attending the match on Friday should expect them to play with extra energy and passion; it promises to be an entertaining night of football. 

Referee: Ray Matthews

MATCH STATS

The last meeting between the sides saw Galway emerge victorious on a final score-line of 4-2. 

Between them both, Galway and Shelbourne have amassed 62 goals in the league this season, which is equal to the amount netted by Finn Harps, Waterford United, Shamrock Rovers B and Cobh Ramblers combined. 

In terms of goal-scorers, Galway's top strikers so far this season are Vinny Faherty and Jake Keegan with seven goals each, while Shelbourne's top marksman this campaign is Dylan Connolly with the same number of goals. 

BETTING

Galway 21/20; Draw 9/4; Shelbourne 23/10

PREDICTION

This will be a tight contest, make no mistake, and there should be a few goals. A score draw; 2-2, perhaps. 

Galway FC

Injuries: None.
Doubtful: Martin Conneelly (achilles tendon) & Marc Ludden (calf).
Suspensions: None.

Shelbourne

Injuries: Darren Tinnelly, Lee Murtagh & Jordan Keegan.
Doubtful: None.
Suspensions: Willo McDonagh.