Preview: FAI National League

Premier Division

Premier Division

Galway United v St Patrick's Ath (Terryland Park, 7.45)

UCD winning in Derry last week was a good thing for Galway, according to their manager.

"Had UCD lost we would have been nine points ahead of them, now we know we still have a lot of work to do," explained Don O'Riordan, who believes the fear factor brings out the best in his team.

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Galway welcome back midfielder Brendan O'Connor from illness for their first home game in six weeks.

St Patrick's - disappointed to be out of the FAI Cup - must console themselves with their excellent league form, which has seen them lose just once in 10. A win tonight would consolidate their second place.

"We shouldn't have lost to Longford in the cup and I told the players they deserved better," said manager Pat Dolan who reports a fully fit squad for the trip to Galway.

Last two seasons - 1999/2000: Galway United 1 St Patrick's Athletic 2, St Patrick's Athletic 3 Galway United 0, Galway United 1 St Patrick's Athletic 0; 2000/2001: Galway United 1 St Patrick's Athletic 1, St Patrick's Athletic 3 Galway United 0.

Current league form - Galway United: WDDWL; St Patrick's Atheltic: DWWDW.

Leading league scorers -Galway United: Lavine (9); St Patrick's Athletic: L Kelly (10).

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 3/1; Draw: 12/5; Away: 8/11.