Preview: Saints Vs Galway Utd (02/05/25)

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Thursday May 1st, 2025 @ 16:00

Preview: Saints Vs Galway Utd (02/05/25)

St Patrick's Athletic continue a busy period by hosting Galway United at Richmond Park on Friday night.

THE MATCH

It's 2nd vs 3rd in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division.

Just a point separates the sides.

Another capacity home crowd is expected in Inchicore, with a limited number of tickets still available.

SAINTS SCENE

St Pat's come into the weekend in 2nd place, a point off the top, with 19 points from their opening 12 games.

They are the second-top scorers in the league so far, with 17 goals.

After Friday, they travel to face Derry City on Monday before visiting Shelbourne on Friday week.

LAST TIME OUT

The Saints suffered late heartbreak at Dalymount Park last Friday, losing 2-1 at Bohemians.

April Goal of the Month scorer Chris Forrester had given his side the lead with a first-half penalty before Bohs won it with late goals from Rob Cornwall and Sean Grehan with the last kick.

That defeat ended a six match unbeaten run.

MOST RECENT MEETING:

21/02/25 - Despite Aidan Keena's Goal of the Season contender, St Pat's lost 2-1 in Galway in their first away game of the new season, early goals from Patrick Hickey did the damage at Eamonn Deacy Park.

STAT ATTACK:

This is the 85th League of Ireland game between St Patrick's Athletic and Galway United, Pat's have won 40, with The Tribesmen winning 23, the other 21 have ended all square.

Pat's have outscored their opponents 141-88 across those 84 matches.

The Saints beat Galway 5-2 on this day in 2011 (matchday May 2nd) in the league at Richmond.

St Pat's are on a 19 match unbeaten run at home, including 13 in the league, running since the defeat to Dundalk on June 3rd 2024.

MAGIC MOMENT:

Alex Nolan netted a late late winner at Richmond Park last season to seal a 2-1 victory as Pat's won both meetings in Inchicore 2-1 last campaign.

OPPOSITION WATCH:

Galway United have had a strong start to the 2025 campaign and sit 2nd in the table on goal difference, level on points with leaders Drogheda United and a point ahead of St Pat's.

John Caulfield's side beat Drogs 2-1 at home last time out, with in form Moses Dyer scoring both.

Former Saints Brendan Clarke and Conor McCormack could line out at their former home tomorrow night.

FROM THE DUG OUT:

Manager Stephen Kenny said: "We have to dust ourselves down and put in a strong performance at home against Galway United, who are as tough an opponent as any. We're right in there with a big nine points to play for, starting tomorrow night."

Watch our full chat with Stephen on YouTube below.

PLAYER VIEW:
Axel Sjoberg: "Football moves on quickly so we need to bounce back and play with confidence. The league is very competitive and it's a massive week for us, we're prepared, ready and looking forward to being back at Richmond."

You can hear more from Axel on our Instagram.

TEAM NEWS:

The same matchday squad that featured against Bohemians last Friday is available for this one, with the exception of Anto Breslin who is suspended for the fixture.

TICKETS AND TV:

A small number of home tickets remain at the time of writing via the website, coverage on LOITV begins at 7.30pm with kick-off at 7.45pm in the company of Oisin Langan and ex St Pat's gaffer Johnny McDonnell.

Image credit: Inpho Sports