It is sixth against seventh in the League of Ireland on Friday night as Derry welcome Galway to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. The hosts could climb to as high as second with a win if other results go their way, while the visitors would leapfrog their opponents with a victory of their own.
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Derry vs Galway prediction: Draw on the cards?
Key Stats
- Derry are winless in three games, and have lost the last two.
- Galway are unbeaten in two matches, picking up four points.
- Both teams have scored in three of Derry's last four games.
Correct score prediction: Derry 1-1 Galway
Given their close proximity in the table, and the fact the previous three H2Hs have seen both teams win and one draw, it suggests they are quite evenly matched. Therefore, we could see a closely-fought contest here.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies backing Derry
- HOME: 3/4 (1.75) – 57.1%
- DRAW: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
- AWAY: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Derry are favourites given home advantage and their slightly better position in the table. A draw is the next fancied result, followed by a Galway victory away from home.
You can peruse all of our latest predictions for this week’s other matches on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Mixed bag
As mentioned, the previous three H2Hs have all produced different outcomes, suggesting that this result may be a tough one to call. Both teams scored in the last two meetings, which suggests this could happen again come Friday night.
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 30/08/24
Galway United
Derry City
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 07/06/24
Derry City
Galway United
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 03/05/24
Galway United
Derry City
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 29/03/24
Derry City
Galway United
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 15/09/17
Galway United
Derry City
Derry preview: Benson suspension rules him out
Robbie Benson was sent off in Derry's last outing, so he is ruled out through suspension. Otherwise, Derry have a full squad to choose from.
Predicted lineup: Maher (GK), Ferguson, Cann, Connolly, Holt, Todd, Duffy, McMullan, O'Reilly, Winchester & Mullen
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 09/05/25
W
Cork City
1
Derry City
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 05/05/25
W
St Patricks
0
Derry City
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 02/05/25
W
Shelbourne
0
Derry City
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 25/04/25
L
Waterford FC
2
Derry City
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 22/04/25
W
Sligo Rovers
0
Derry City
3
Galway preview: Visitors full strength
Galway have a full squad to choose from, with no players reported to be unavailable. Free-scoring Moses Dyer should lead the line for them.
Predicted lineup: Watts (GK), Esua, Slevin, Buckley, Cunningham, Byrne, Hickey, Borden, Hurley, McCarthy & Dyer
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 09/05/25
L
Waterford FC
1
Galway United
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 05/05/25
L
Bohemians Dublin
2
Galway United
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 02/05/25
L
St Patricks
2
Galway United
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 25/04/25
W
Drogheda United
1
Galway United
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 21/04/25
D
Shelbourne
2
Galway United
2
Player to watch: Moses Dyer
Galway will be very much reliant on striker Moses Dyer should they manage to get a positive result at Derry. Indeed, he is the division's top scorer with nine goals at the time of writing.
Dyer opened the scoring in Galway's 2-1 win at home to Cork last month, their only win in six games. Nonetheless, his scoring prowess is very much needed, and he will want to extend his lead in the race for the Golden Boot too, with next challengers Warren Davis and Owen Elding only two behind him on seven goals each in total so far in this campaign.