2016 League of Ireland Premier Division
20.00 8 Jul 2016 -
Referee: Robert Rogers
20.00 8 Jul 2016 -
Referee: Robert Rogers
League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Galway United
- Dave Donnelly
- Fri, Jul 08 2016
FINN HARPS
Finn Harps will hope their uptick in form – which has seen them take seven points from the last three games – continues with the visit of Galway United to Finn Park (kick-off 8pm).
Harps had been on somewhat of a downward slump before a terrific away draw at Shamrock Rovers led into a 3-0 win over Sligo Rovers before the break, and they carried on following the resumption with a 2-0 win over bottom side Longford Town.
“We have struggled against Galway over the last number of years,” Horgan told finnharps.com.
“They have had the upper hand on us. They play great football with a bunch of very talented players.
“Ryan Connolly is one of the best players in the league and this year they have added the likes of Kevin Devaney, Stephen Folan and Vinny Faherty to their side.
“They have already beaten us twice this year in the league and the EA Sports Cup.”
Harps' season-long injury crisis shows no signs of abating, with Packie Mailey, Ciaran Coll and Gareth Harkin new additions to the injury list, while Dave Scully, Adam Hanlon and Barry Molloy will be assessed closer to kick-off and Ethan Boyle is suspended.
Harps will have to wait and see if striker Ruairí Keating is cleared for selection following his move from Galway on Wednesday.
GALWAY UNITED
Galway United travel to Finn Park in search of their first win in almost two months, a six-game run that includes two friendlies.
Nevertheless, Tommy Dunne's side have the chance to narrow the gap between them and fourth-place Shamrock Rovers to three points, albeit with an extra game played.
"Finn Harps are in good form at the moment, but we had an encouraging performance against Bohemians after the break, with some players having an excellent game,” Dunne told galwayunitedfc.ie.
“There was a bit more guile and hardiness about us.
"We expect the pitch in Ballybofey to be in good condition, although the weather may dictate that the conditions are similar to what we faced in Dalymount."
Alex Byrne misses out due to a recurring groin injury, while Armin Aganovic is suspended, but Enda Curran, Marc Ludden and Kevin Devaney are all fit for selection after recovering from injury.
Referee: Rob Rogers.
MATCH STATS
Friday's game will be the 67th meeting in total between the north-west clubs, with Galway enjoying 26 wins to Harps' 20.
Galway beat Harps 1-0 at Eamonn Deacy Park in the league back in April, and were victors on penalties at the same venue in the EA Sports Cup ten days later.
The sides met three times in the First Division in 2014, with the first two games ending even before United won 3-0 at Eamonn Deacy Park on their way to promotion.
The sides have met in the EA Sports Cup in each of the last three seasons, with the Tribesmen ending Harps' progress on each occasion.
BETTING
Finn Harps 23/10; Draw 9/4; Galway United 23/20.
PREDICTION
Finn Harps 1 – 0 Galway United.
Finn Harps
Injured: Packie Mailey (calf), Ciaran Coll (shoulder) Gareth Harkin (knee).
Doubtful: Dave Scully, Barry Molloy, Adam Hanlon.
Suspended: Ethan Boyle.
Galway United
Injured: Alex Byrne (groin).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Armin Aganovic.