On Thursday, Galway United will host Drogheda United at Eamonn Deacy Park in a crucial League of Ireland Premier Division clash. Both teams are eager to get back to winning ways after recent struggles.
Galway United, sitting fifth in the league, have experienced back-to-back defeats, while Drogheda United, currently in the relegation playoff spot, are on a six-match winless streak.
Galway United: Form and Recent Performance
Galway United have had a mixed season upon their return to the top flight. Despite their recent setbacks, they remain in the upper half of the table with 27 points from 17 matches.
Galway's season started strong with seven wins and only four losses, including consecutive victories over Drogheda United and Dundalk.
However, recent defeats to St Patrick's Athletic and Derry City have halted their progress.
The Crusties will be determined to bounce back and close the gap to the top three.
Key Players
Stephen Walsh: Expected to return to the starting lineup and lead the attack.
Karl O'Sullivan: Likely to drop into a supporting role after starting up front in the last match.
Rob Slevin and Killian Brouder: Mainstays in the defence.
Drogheda United: Form and Recent Performance
Drogheda United have had a challenging season, struggling at the bottom end of the table.
They have only accumulated 15 points from 20 games, with their last win coming in early May.
The Drogs' recent form includes four straight defeats and a goalless draw against St Patrick's Athletic. Kevin Doherty's side is desperate for a win to boost their survival chances.
Key Players
Frantz Pierrot: Likely to lead the line, having scored five goals this season.
Adam Foley: A key threat on the right wing with four goals.
Ryan Brennan and Matthew O'Brien: Expected to continue their partnership in midfield.
Team News
Galway United
Galway may make several changes following their 2-0 defeat last week.
Stephen Walsh could return to the starting XI, with Karl O'Sullivan potentially moving to a supporting trio alongside David Hurley and Ed McCarthy.
Maurice Nugent and Conor McCormack are expected to anchor the midfield.
Probable Lineup
Clarke; Esua, Slevin, Brouder, Kazeem; Nugent, McCormack; O'Sullivan, Hurley, McCarthy; Walsh.
Drogheda United
Drogheda might also tweak their lineup after a goalless draw. Frantz Pierrot is expected to start upfront, with Zishim Bawa moving to the left wing.
Adam Foley will continue on the right, while Jack Keaney and Andrew Quinn form the defence's core.
Probable Lineup
Wogan; Heeney, Quinn, Keaney, Kane; Brennan, O'Brien; Foley, Markey, Bawa; Pierrot.
Prediction
With both teams aiming for a crucial win, a competitive encounter is anticipated. Galway United's impressive first-half season performance gives them a slight edge over Drogheda United.
Our Prediction: Galway United 2-1 Drogheda United
Galway Utd 
Drogheda 
