June 2025 was a painful month for Drogheda United fans. First came the devastating news that the club would be expelled from the UEFA Conference League. Then, the departure of Douglas James-Taylor and a general downturn in form only deepened the gloom at Sullivan and Lambe Park
But things haven’t exactly been sunshine and rainbows for John Caulfield’s Galway United either. With just two wins from their last ten games and league top scorer Moses Dyer opting to pursue opportunities abroad, they too find themselves in a slump.
Both sides enter Friday night’s clash wounded, desperate to salvage something from seasons that have taken sharp, unexpected turns.
Team News
Douglas James-Taylor will, of course, be absent after signing for Bohemians, and Kevin Doherty will also be without James Bolger, Elicha Ahui, and Paul Doyle through injury.
Moses Dyer hasn’t officially left Galway United but is suspended following his red card in the Connacht Derby. He joins Jimmy Keohane on the unavailable list, with Keohane still sidelined through injury.
Key Stats
Drogheda have generally been strong at home this season, losing just 18% of their matches at Sullivan and Lambe Park. In contrast, Galway United have won just 18% of their away fixtures during the 2025 campaign.
That statistic favors Drogheda; however, it’s worth noting that they haven’t beaten Galway United since a First Division fixture in 2020. The sides have met six times since then, with three draws and three Galway victories.
Key Players
This is the best opportunity Thomas Oluwa has had to establish himself as a regular Premier Division striker. He didn’t get many chances as a youngster with Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers, which led to a move down to the First Division. There, he scored goals for a number of different clubs over the years before finally earning a return to the Premier Division this season. With two goals to his name so far, and the Douglas James-Taylor void now open in Drogheda’s attack, this is the Dubliner’s moment to make his mark in the Irish top flight.
It’s hard to overlook Patrick Hickey on the 4th of July. The American started the season looking like John Caulfield’s main goal threat, but that mantle was quickly taken up by Moses Dyer. Now, with Dyer vacating his throne, Hickey has the perfect chance to step back into the spotlight and what better day than American Independence Day to lead his side to three points?
Betting Odds
Both sides are low on confidence and because of that it makes it an extremely difficult game to call, with the odd makers pricing either side to win at 13/8 and a draw at 21/10.
When and Where to Watch
The game will kick off at 7:45pm on Friday July 4th and can be watched live of LOITV.