Match Preview: Shamrock Rovers v Galway United

Galway United return to league action on Friday night when the Tribesmen face Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium. Kick-off is at 8.00pm.

Tommy Dunne’s side must put the disappointment of the EA Sports Cup Final behind them as they head into six cup finals in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division run-in.

United were beaten in the EA Sports Cup Final by St Patrick’s Athletic last week, losing 4-3 on penalties, after 120 scoreless minutes of play at Eamonn Deacy Park.

TOMMY DUNNE: “WE NEED TO LOOK AHEAD”
“Last weekend was disappointing, but as has been said, staying in the Premier Division is the priority for everyone. We’ve got six cup finals coming up, starting with Shamrock Rovers.

“They’re six huge games and reaching a national final has shown that, as regards confidence, we have no reason to be lacking.

“The teams around us have all been picking up points, so we need everyone to be at the races to get a result at Tallaght Stadium.

“The whole bottom half of the table is separated by just two wins at the moment, so we’ll be looking for a big push from the lads.

“Facing Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght is always difficult, they will be high on confidence after beating Bray and they’ll be looking to finish the season strongly so we know it will be another difficult fixture.”

TEAM NEWS
Marc Ludden misses the trip through suspension, following an accumulation of yellow cards.

Ryan Connolly (ankle), Jason Molloy (thigh) and Alex Byrne (groin) are all out of contention for Friday night’s clash at Tallaght Stadium.

Padraic Cunningham’s rehabilitation from his knee injury continues.

REFEREE
Anthony Buttimer (Cork)

GALWAY UNITED GOALSCORERS (BRACKETS = CUP GOALS)
Jake Keegan – 16 (4)
Enda Curran – 10
Padraic Cunningham – 7 (3)
Gary Shanahan – 5 (2)
Ryan Connolly – 3
Jason Molloy – 1
Sam Oji – 1
David O’Leary – 1
Andy O’Connell – (1)

FORM GUIDE
Shamrock Rovers – LDWLW
Galway United – DLLWL

LAST MEETING
26/6/15: Galway United 1-2 Shamrock Rovers