Galway United host Derry City on Friday night as Premier Division action returns following the international break.
A willing Galway United have surpassed expectations so far this year, being competitive in all games so far, and having 8 points after 8 games. 2 crucial wins against relegation contenders Sligo Rovers and Waterford FC, along with draws against Shelbourne and Dundalk have given Friday’s hosts a solid track record in 2026 going into Friday’s game.
Derry will look to rectify a 4 game streak without a win on Friday night as they travel down to Galway, in efforts to get their third win of the season. Derry have only beaten the same two sides as Galway have defeated, and drawn games against Dundalk, St Pats and Drogheda leaving them a single point head of Galway as the table stands.
Key Information
Kickoff: 20:00
Where to watch: Virgin Media 2 (Inside Ireland), LOITV (Outside Ireland)
Referee: Neil Doyle
Betting Odds: Galway United @ 21/20, Draw @ 11/5, Derry City @6/5
Team News
Galway United’s Dara McGuinness makes a return to training this week after suffering an injury towards the back end of last season. Conor McCormack makes a return to the camp, after coaching the Ireland MU19 squad, and Evan Watts will return after a week with the Welsh U21 side.
Derry City will be without their full compliment in Friday’s clash with Galway, as Brian Maher remains out, but Tiernan Lynch remains positive and believes in his side, despite injuries. On the upside for the Candystripes, Cameron Dummigan returns to Lynch’s side, and will be a key aspect in Derry’s defense.
Photo taken by Cian Kelly Photography
Key Statistics
Galway haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last 5 games, with Derry scoring 7 goals in their last 5 games.
Derry have beaten Galway in 3 of the last 6 games, with 2 draws and 1 Galway win that came in 2024
Key Players
Kris Twardek has been Galway’s top scorer so far this year, snd been a constant attacking threat down the right hand sign. The Canadian has 4 goals and 1 assist in 8 games for the Tribesmen, and will have a big impact on the result on Friday night, and will be hoping to add to his tally.
The Candystripes have scored 11 goals so far this season, and star man Michael Duffy has been involved in 6 of them. The left winger has been electric for Derry so far this season, and is the league’s top scorer going into Friday’s game. He will set up a mouth watering clash with new-comer Arthur Parker, who will try to defend his right flank.
Previous Meetings
Galway 1-2 Derry
Derry 1-1 Galway
Galway 2-3 Derry
Derry 1-1 Galway