Dundalk FC take on Galway United

Dundalk FC play host to Galway United at Oriel Park on Friday night in their first home SSE Airtricity League fixture of the season.

After an excellent performance earned them a 1-1 draw away to Shamrock Rovers in the opening game, Stephen O'Donnell's side will look to build on that display and pick up three points against the newly promoted Tribesmen.

A debut goal from striker Jamie Gullan, put the visitors in-front with a superb free-kick, before Aaron Greene levelled things with a second half header at Tallaght Stadium.

Reflecting on the hard fought draw in Dublin, new Dundalk midfielder, Scott High, said: “We've got a new group of lads and we're all trying to gel together and adapt to the gaffer’s style but I enjoyed last Friday night.

“We grafted and we battled well against a team that has won the league for the past four seasons but I think we've got more in our locker.

“It’s our first home game and we’re looking forward to getting out in front of the fans. Hopefully, they can be our 12th man and push us on to get the three points", said the 23-year-old.

This will be the first time that Dundalk and Galway face each other in league action since October 2017, although John Caulfield's team did run out 4-0 victors the last time both sides met at the quarter-final stage of the FAI Cup last season.

Head Coach, Stephen O'Donnell shared his thoughts on the opening game against Rovers, he said: "I was very happy with our set-up against Shamrock Rovers last week. The layer we want to add to that is the more intricate things and being in control when we have possession."

Looking ahead to the Galway fixture, O'Donnell said: "We know that Galway are going to be very physical, very fit and very well organised, in and out of possession, and they will be a big threat at set pieces.

“They beat us well in the FAI Cup quarter-final last season so they’ll be quite confident coming up here. From our point of view, it’s still very early regarding our understanding of each other and how long the group’s been together."

"I keep going back to 2013 but there was an edge and a hunger around the club - and the town. We felt like we were the underdogs and we need to try and get that feeling back." 

"In comparison to where the club was five or six years ago, we’re making our way back up the mountain and we need to fight and scrap for every point and bit of success we get."

Having only lost three league encounters at Oriel Park last season, the Galwegian is hoping for a big home support against Galway on Friday. He said: "There’s been a mood of optimism around the town this week and hopefully, there’s a big crowd at Oriel on Friday night."

Dundalk have a fully fit squad to choose from except for midfielder Koen Oostenbrink who will miss out with a niggle.