The Connacht Derby takes to the Showgrounds this Saturday in a crucial 12 pointer between Sligo and Galway.
Only a point separates the two Western sides heading into Saturday’s Connacht Derby, as Galway travel to Sligo. Both teams have had spells of sun in 2026 taking big wins that were not expected, but consistency has been an issue for both sides.
It was Galway who claimed victory in the reverse fixture in 2026, thanks to a Jimmy Keohane goal.
Key Information
Kickoff: 19:45, May 15th
Where to watch: LOITV
Referee: Aaron O’Dowd
Betting Odds: Sligo Rovers @8/5, Draw @11/5, Galway United @8/5
Sligo have performed well in their previous two games considering the injuries in the camp. John Russell’s outfit is expected to be without Sebastian Quirk, Ryan O’Kane, and Conor Reynolds in the coming weeks. There still remains a cloud of mystery around the availability of Jad Hakiki, who hasn’t appeared for the Bit O’ Red since their 2-0 win over his former side Dundalk.
Nicolas Chateau made his first appearance for the Tribesmen last week against Shamrock Rovers after being sidelined since the start of the season. The final piece to John Caulfield’s puzzle is Dara McGuinness, who is expected to be back in a few weeks time.
Key Statistics
There hasn’t been a draw between the sides in the last 5 meetings, with Sligo winning 3 and Galway claiming 2.
The hosts have conceded 1.2 goals per game to Galway’s 1.4, and the hosts head into the Connacht Derby with 5 clean sheets in comparison to Galway’s 1.
Only one point separates the sides heading into Saturday’s game, the same amount of points separated the teams before the reverse fixture.
Key Players
Sam Sargeant has been one of the most impressive keepers so far this season, and has been an immovable object in the Sligo net. He has the highest save percentage out of every keeper in the league and has single handedly prevented 5 goals this season for John Russell’s side. His performance between the sticks will be very important if the hosts are to win.
Aaron Bolger will be key if Galway are to win on Saturday. His box to box abilities have been crucial to Galway’s success this season, and he displayed his attacking prowess against St Pats with two superb volleys. His presence in midfield along with David Hurley, Mattie Wolfe and Jimmy Keohane this season has been vital to John Caulfield’s side this season and will prove to be on Saturday.
Previous Meetings
27/02/2026 Galway United 1-0 Sligo Rovers
22/09/2025 Galway United 0-1 Sligo Rovers
23/06/2025 Sligo Rovers 2-1 Galway United
16/05/2025 Galway United 0-1 Sligo Rovers
12/04/2025 Sligo Rovers 1-2 Galway
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