Match Preview | Shamrock Rovers II

Galway United get the 2020 SSE Airtricity League season underway with a trip to Tallaght Stadium on Saturday afternoon to face Shamrock Rovers II. Kick-off: 3.00pm.

The Tribesmen’s season opener against Athlone Town was unfortunately cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch at Eamonn Deacy Park last week.

The Hoops meanwhile, under the stewardship of former player Aidan Price, were unlucky to lose 2-0 against Longford Town at Bishopsgate Stadium, having hit the woodwork twice during the game.

Galway United manager Alan Murphy used the week to get some more important work done on the training ground and he expects a stern test at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

MURPHY TARGETS STRONG START TO THE SEASON
“We’ve forgotten about last week and moved on. We had a tough week of training and we’re raring to go now. We’re really looking forward to starting the season on Saturday and hopefully performing well.

“The calibre of player that Shamrock Rovers have in their ranks is high, they have eight players that are signed to both squads, so it’ll be difficult and we’ll have to wait for the day to see who will line up against us.

“Everyone is excited to get the season underway now, it’s been a long off-season. Last week’s game being called off was disappointing, but we moved on and took it as an opportunity to put in some hard work in preparation for this game.”

TEAM NEWS
Marc Ludden (unavailable), Vinny Faherty (knee) and Sam Warde (illness) are ruled out of the trip to Tallaght Stadium.

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan
Assistant: Trevor Cotter
Assistant: Shane O’Brien
Fourth official: Jason Mannix