Both Galway United and Waterford come into this game badly in need of a win, with only one win between them so far this season.
John Cauilfield will be scratching his head after his side conceded yet another late goal to ultimately lose to Bohemians on Friday, a problem that has haunted them in almost every game so far.
Waterford on the other hand were comprehensively beaten 5-0 by newly promoted Dundalk, continuing their winless start to the new campaign.
Despite this game coming so early, it could well turn out to be crucial in terms of the relegation battle and is certainly already in the must not lose category for both.
Key Information
Kick Off: 20:00.
Where to watch: Virgin Media Two.
Betting odds: Galway win @17/20 Draw @13/5 Waterford win @27/10.
Venue: Eamonn Deacy Park.
Team News
Frantz Peirrot has only been fit enough to make the bench for Galway but could be ready from the start here. Dara McGuinness is the only one ruled out for the Tribesmen.
Finlay Armstrong and Arlo Doherty are out for Waterford, but Jordan Houston is fit again and managed to make to bench against Dundalk after his move from Haka in Finland.
Photo taken by Cian Kelly (LOI Talk)
Key Statistics
With 13 goals conceded, Waterford have the worst defence so far this season and will need to tighten up at the back if they are to avoid the drop.
On the other hand, Galway have one of the worst attacks so far, scoring just four goals, the only teams that have scored less are Waterford and Connaught rivals Sligo Rovers.
Key Players
If Pierrot is fit enough to start it will be a huge boost to United, they have been very solid defensively so far this season but have had real struggles in front of goal and the Haitian striker could well be the answer to that problem.
Kris Twardek has also been impressive since signing and Galway fans will be hoping that the two can form a dangerous partnership up top.
Conan Noonan has been a bright light for Waterford, and his creativity could be key to unlocking Galway’s miserly defence. He hasn’t scored so far this season but after an impressive 14 goal contributions last year, Waterford fans will hope he can rediscover that prolific streak again.
Previous Meetings
Waterford F.C 1-1 Galway United 01/11/2025.
Galway United 2-4 Waterford F.C 25/07/2025.
Waterford F.C 1-0 Galway United 09/05/2025.
Galway United 1-0 Waterford F.C 14/03/2025.
By: Eoin Langan.