Dundalk vs. Galway United: Match Preview
Dundalk vs. Galway United
This Friday, Oriel Park will witness a crucial clash in the League of Ireland Premier Division as Dundalk face off against Galway United. The two teams enter the fray with starkly contrasting goals for the season: Dundalk battling to escape the relegation playoff spot, while Galway United eyes a European qualification berth.
Match Preview
Dundalk’s once unassailable position in the League of Ireland’s top tier is now under significant threat. Currently stationed in the relegation playoff spot, the Lilywhites are languishing in ninth place with 23 points—four points adrift from safety with only 11 matches left to play. A disappointing start to the season saw them fail to win any of their first 11 games, a slump that kept them rooted to the bottom until matchday 18.
Jon Daly, Dundalk’s fourth manager of the year, took charge and has since sparked a revival. The team has shown signs of improvement under Daly, climbing to ninth place with three wins and a draw from his nine matches in charge. Despite this resurgence, Dundalk faces an uphill battle as they have played two more games than eighth-placed Bohemians.
Recent performances have been encouraging, with four points secured from their last two fixtures against Bohemians and Drogheda United. However, a tougher challenge awaits them in the form of Galway United.
Galway United, in contrast, is relishing their return to the Premier Division. After their relegation in 2017, they have enjoyed a solid season and are currently sixth in the table, pushing for a top-three finish and European qualification. The team’s early season was marked by inconsistency, but a nine-match unbeaten run propelled them up the standings. Although recent form has seen them drop from third to sixth after losing four of their last seven league games, they remain in contention for a European spot.
The visitors are buoyed by their previous victories over Dundalk this season, having won both encounters 2-0. This confidence, combined with a full squad, makes Galway United the favorites for this fixture.
Team News
Dundalk will likely be missing Andrew Boyle, Dara Keane, and Paul Doyle, who continue their recovery from injury. Jamie Gullan, leading Dundalk’s goalscoring charts with five goals this season, is expected to partner Ryan O’Kane in attack.
Galway United, meanwhile, has no new injury concerns and could field the same starting XI that defeated Waterford FC earlier this month. Stephen Walsh is anticipated to spearhead the attack once again as Galway looks to bolster their modest tally of 19 league goals, the second-lowest in the division.
Possible Lineups:
Dundalk: Goddard; Mountney, Animasahun, Faulkner, Pike; Horgan, Hakiki, Benson, Dervin; Gullan, O’Kane
Galway United: Clarke; Esua, Buckley, Brouder, Slevin; McCormack, Nugent; Keohane, Hickey, McCarthy; Walsh
Prediction: Dundalk 0-1 Galway United
Despite a recent dip in form, Galway United is favored to secure all three points against relegation-threatened Dundalk. We anticipate a narrow victory for the visitors, furthering their push for a European spot.
