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Galway United return to action this Saturday night, when they face Sligo Rovers in the Connacht Derby at The Showgrounds.
Sligo Rovers come into this Connacht Derby following a 0-0 draw, against Shelbourne FC last weekend. John Russell’s charges are one point behind United in the table, and they currently sit in 9th spot.
The Bit O’Red finished the 2025 season in good form, which saw them maintain their Premier Division status for 2026.
Russell made a number of signings ahead of the 2026 season, with former United defender Jeannot Esua making the move to Sligo. James McManus has also re-joined the club on loan from Bohs.
One of Sligo’s star players from last season, Owen Elding, has left the club to join Hibernian in Scotland, however Jad Hakiki is still with the North-West club. Hakiki was in outstanding form throughout last season, and the Tribesmen will have to be at their best to keep him quiet on Saturday night.
Sligo Rovers squad: Liam Hughes, Sam Sargeant, Sean Stewart, Shane Blaney, Ollie Denham, Jeannot Esua, David Jonathan, Conor Reynolds, Gaerth McElroy, Seb Quirk, Ciaron Harkin, Jad Hakiki, Carl McHugh, Alex Nolan, Kyle McDonagh, Daire Patton, Guilherme Rego Priosti, Will Fitzgerald, Archie Meekison, Cian Kavanagh, Mai Traore, Ryan O’Kane.
United come into Friday’s derby following a 3-1 defeat against Shamrock Rovers, last Friday.
Galway trailed 2-0 at the break, and despite a strong second half performance, which included a goal from Mattie Wolfe, the Dubliners emerged as the victors.
The Tribesmen currently sit in 8th position, in the Premier Division table.
Galway’s performances have been impressive so far this season, and they will look to continue that performance standard this Saturday, alongside a positive result.
John Caulfield has made a number of new signings for 2026, with Wasiri Williams, Kris Twardek, Lee Devitt, Matty Wolfe, Gianfranco Facchineri, Al-Amin Kazeem, Francely Lomboto, Arthur Parker, Hugo Pires Da Cunha, Nicholas Fleuriau Chateau, Connor Barratt and Frantz Pierrot all joining.
Chateau made his Galway debut in last Friday's defeat.
Galway United squad: Evan Watts, Hugo Pires Da Cunha, Killian Brouder, Junior Thiam, Axel Pieshold, David Hurley, Aaron Bolger, Jimmy Keohane, Conor McCormack, Ed McCarthy, Dara McGuinness, Stephen Walsh, Cillian Tollett, James Morahan, Wasiri Williams, Kris Twardek, Lee Devitt, Matty Wolfe, Gianfranco Facchineri, Al-Amin Kazeem, Francely Lomboto, Arthur Parker, Hugo Pires Da Cunha, Nicholas Fleuriau Chateau, Frantz Pierrot.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, Galway united manager, Caulfield believes his side have performed relatively well so far this season.
“Our play has been good. We’ve been more expansive, which means we have given up more chances, but we have created a lot of chances in games. They are a honest group and they give it everything.”
The former Cork City player, is well aware of Sligo Rovers’ threats and he stated that he believes this weekend’s encounter will be a tough game.
“They are a good side. They are more physical this year. You see the personnel they have, McHugh, Kavanagh, all over six foot. They are much more direct in their play. They hit the front man a lot earlier. John Russell has done a tremendous job. People talk about the derbies in Dublin, but it’s great we have two professional teams in Connacht, and this is the biggest game for both sets of supporters.”
Tickets for the game can be purchased here - Sligo Rovers Vs. Galway United (Away Supporters Only)
The game will also be streamed on LOI TV, for those that can’t make it to Sligo.
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