League Preview: Galway FC -v- Wexford Youths

GALWAY FC

On Sunday afternoon, Galway FC will be hoping to secure the second play-off spot when they welcome Wexford Youths to Eamonn Deacy Park on the last day of the SSE Airtricity First Division. Kick off is 3pm.

The Tribesmen need one final positive result to claim the final promotion playoff spot, something the club would have grabbed with two hands before the season commenced.

In team news, Galway will be without Richard Fahy and Aaron McDonagh through injury while defender Colm Horgan is doubt. Ryan Manning has just returned from the Irish U19’s trip to Sweden and he will be assessed closer to kick off time.

Galway FC is on a good run of form coming into the game but manager Dunne knows Sunday’s game against Youths is not to be taken lightly.

"I think Wexford have to come to Galway on Sunday and throw everything at us. What's the point if they don't, I don't think they'll sit back and hit us on the break. We will see how it pans out. We need to be focused on keeping our momentum going."  

WEXFORD YOUTHS

While all eyes will be on Galway FC’s promotion challenge, Youths are still mathematically in with a shout of landing the final promotion spot if they win by a cricket score. However, the host’s superior goal difference and shrewd defence suggests this is not a real possibility.

For Youths they will have to do without Shane Dunne through suspension, Peter Higgins through injury and Eric Molloy for personal reasons. Craig Wall is a doubt with work commitments.

Previous encounters between the sides have been very tight affairs with no more than one goal separating the teams at the final whistle.

Out of the four fixtures played so far, Galway holds the upper hand with two wins to Youths’ one, a 1-1 draw in the EA Sports Cup makes up the last fixture. The last time the Tribesmen lost in the league was to Youths at Ferrycarraig Park in early August.

Bar a win over Shamrock Rovers ‘B’ two weeks ago, Youths’ recent away record is poor and this, in theory, should see Galway FC earn the correct result and secure the promotion playoff spot.

Referee: John McLoughlin

MATCH STATS

The teams have met four times this season, with Galway holding the upper hand two to one.

Galway FC has the second-best defensive record in the league this season.

Youths are looking for third win on the bounce.

BETTING

Galway FC 4/7; Draw 5/2; Wexford Youths 9/2

PREDICTION

Galway FC 2-0 Wexford Youths

Galway FC

Injured: Richard Fahy, Aaron McDonagh

Doubtful: Colm Horgan

Suspended: Marc Ludden, Ryan Connolly

Wexford Youths

Injured:Peter Higgins(groin)

Doubtful: Eric Molloy, Craig Wall.

Suspended:Shane Dunne