Galway eye perfect record in the Hyde – Roscommon v Galway Match Preview
This Sunday, Galway will look to remain the only team in the country to win every league game this season. The Tribesmen guaranteed promotion to the topflight after a brilliant display away to Derry last weekend.
However, Padraic Joyce will want his team to continue their good form, with a championship clash against old rivals Mayo looming in the Connacht championship. Galway will also very much like to stop their neighbours from achieving promotion.
This could potentially be the first of three games between the pair in the next few weeks. Were results to go the Rossies way on Sunday, the pair would meet in a league final the following week. And if Galway can overcome the Mayo challenge in the championship, it is highly likely both side square off in a Connacht final, barring a shock.
Considering their fate has already been decided, it remains to be seen what team Joyce will select. He will not be able to call on the services of key players such as Shane Walsh, Damien Cormer and Sean Kelly through injury. Paul Conroy will also be missing as the Tribesmen decided not to appeal the red card, he received last day out.
Roscommon enter this fixture with the second-best defence throughout the leagues. Anthony Cunningham’s men are also still unbeaten but have dropped two points at home from home games against Clare and Derry respectively, which is why they are still scrambling for promotion on the final day.
For Roscommon the equation is simple, win and they join Galway in the top tier, lose and they risk the prospect of missing promotion to the topflight if Derry can go to Meath and win.
This will be a tough challenge for Galway considering the players they have missing and what’s at stake for the Rossies. Joyce will be hoping his bench can make the step and push Roscommon all the way.
Even still, Galway can look forward to a league final in Croke Park the following weekend.
Prediction: Roscommon by 4
The game takes place at 2 pm in Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon. Tickets for the match can be purchased online or from selected Supervalu and Centra stores.
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