St Patrick's Athletic
- Kenny has been the driving force behind St Pat’s evolution into a possession-based, pressing team that likes to build from the back and dictate the tempo.
- The Saints are a little better defensively now, with Joseph Anang solid at the heart of a three-man defence that held out against a talented Bohs attack for a 0-0 draw on the opening weekend.
- Anang made a couple of key saves and the Saints were solid throughout, but they still need someone to score the goals if they are to seriously challenge in the top half this season.
- Aidan Keena is the man for that job, having been prolific when given a chance last season, but they need a reliable partner for him up front and a bit more penetration from the wide areas.
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New signing Max Mata could be the answer to their problem, and Ryan Edmondson is also among the new options up front.
- New attacking options:
- Max Mata
- Ryan Edmondson
- New attacking options:
Galway United
- Galway United are a different sort of team altogether and, if anything, more predictable.
- They are physical, direct and get numbers forward at the first chance while their players get stuck in to win second balls.
- Caulfield’s men will sit in a compact mid-block for long periods and will hit St Pat’s on the counter if they are allowed to.
- Hurley, who is Galway’s engine room and set-piece specialist, will be disappointed he missed a penalty in their opener that would have put them in front.
- Drogheda took the lead in stoppage time, so it was a bitter pill for the hosts to swallow.
Head-to-Head
The last five meetings between the clubs have produced two wins apiece and a draw .
St Patrick's Athletic
- St Pat’s boss Stephen Kenny is consideredIreland’s most decorated domestic coach.
- Aidan Keena is the man for that job, having been prolific when given a chance last season.
- Max Mata could be the answer to their problem up front.
- Ryan Edmondson is also among the new options up front.
- Joseph Anang is solid at the heart of the defence and made a couple of key saves on the opening weekend.
Galway United
- David Hurley’s free-kick expertise will be key to their chances of getting on the scoresheet.
- Hurley missed a penalty in their opener that would have put them in front.
Betting Insights
- Galway United are outsiders at 5.2 for Friday’s away game at St Patrick’s Athletic, but the draw at 3.55 looks a better alternative if you believe in John Caulfield’s ability to get a result out of his team.
- The hosts are narrow favorites at 1.68, which seems about right given their home advantage.
- The under 2.5 goal line at 1.7 looks a bit low given the history.
Prediction
A 2-1 home win is still our prediction because St. Pat’s will be better organised at the back and have recruited well, but there is enough in Galway’s game to suggest they can deny the home team and possibly snatch the points in a tight game.
