Galway United will take on rivals Sligo Rovers in the Connacht Derby this evening.
Galway come into the game on the back of a hard-fought draw away against St. Patrick's Athletic, but will be without David Hurley as he picked up a two-game suspension following his sending off on Friday. United haven't won in the league since June 20th, when they beat St.Pat's 3-1 in Terryland. While it's not must-win territory for Galway tonight, it's certainly must not lose, as both sides are deadlocked on 31 points and with Sligo only slipping into the relegation playoff spot on goal difference, a three-point swing here either way with five games to go in the league could be catastrophic.
Galway must keep an eye on Owen Elding this evening. He has undoubtedly been the brightest spark for Sligo this season. If United can contain him and show the same spirit they've shown in the last two games against St.Pats, they'll stand a great chance of getting their first league win in 11.
Galway have beaten Sligo once already this season, a famous night at the Showgrounds with Cian Byrne scoring a brace, while Sligo have beaten Galway twice, a 1-0 win in Terryland and a 2-1 win in Sligo in a game where both sides went down to 10 men.
Since Galway returned to the Premier Division last season, these Connacht derbies have always had a real bite to them. A big crowd is expected in Terryland tonight, with Galway running a promotion for students, who can get a discount of 23% by using the code "STUDENT25" when purchasing concession tickets. There will be free entry to Electric nightclub for the first 200 students through the gate.
After tonight's meeting, both sides have 5 games to play.
Galway United remaining fixtures...
Mon 22/09/25 Sligo (H) 19:45
Fri 26/09/25 Cork City (H) 19:45
Fri 03/10/25 Shamrock Rovers (A) 20:00*
Fri 17/10/25 Bohemians (H) 19:45
Fri 24/10/25 Drogheda (H) 19:45
Sat 01/11/25 Waterford (A) 16:30
Sligo Rovers remaining fixtures...
Mon 22/09/25 Galway (A) 19:45
Sat 27/09/25 St. Patrick's Athletic (A) 19:45
Fri 03/10/25 Derry City (A) 19:45
Fri 17/10/25 Shelbourne (A) 19:45
Sat 25/10/25 Cork City (H) 19:45
Sat 01/11/25 Shamrock Rovers (A) 16:30
By Seán Carley.
