- Odds: St Pat's are a solid 1.43 favorites to take the points here, with Galway 6.34 outsiders.
- Form: St Pat's are 4W-3D-3L across their last 10 in all competitions, Galway are 2W-4D-4L.
St Patrick’s Athletic v Galway United
St Pats are the heavy favorites to see off Galway United at Richmond Park on Friday. The bookies seem to have got this one right in that respect, as St Pats are a much better team than the Tribesmen and should have too much quality on the field.
The visitors have made themselves difficult to beat on their travels, however, and have taken one win and three draws from their last five away from home in all leagues. Paul Doolin has Galway pressing high, looking to hunt out transitions and break fast, with a direct, front-foot style. This game won't be dull, with the Tribesmen likely to push and probe St Pats.
St Pats have enough quality to win
St Pats look to have a bit more quality all over the field and should be able to control the game, if not the visitors, here. Stephen Kenny's men are a possession-first 3-5-2 side with a heavy reliance on the wingbacks, and while they can be patient and are adept at breaking teams down, they can be exposed if they are not at their best.
The Saints beat Sligo Rovers at home a couple of weeks ago but fell to a 2-0 defeat away to Bohemian FC after that, so it's pretty clear that they swing wildly based on which game they turn up for.
Galway’s goal-getting run
St Pats recent record
Across their last 10 in all-competitions, St Pats have won four, drawn three and lost three, which isn't a bad record in fairness, but neither is it the bulletproof record of a runaway title favourite.
Galway's struggles and scorers
Galway United have been a shadow of their former selves since beating Derry City 2-1 at home, with defeats to Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers knocking them for a loop. They will need to return to that sort of form if they are to climb away from the bottom of the table.
Edward McCarthy has chipped in with two goals in their last five and that little spark has helped Galway to score six in the same period. Tribesmen top scorer Kristopher Twardek has six in 17 in the Premier Division 2026, so he is a good pick to score anytime here.
Back St Pats and BTTS
Galway have been better than their record suggests and they can definitely grab a goal here. However, they have conceded seven in their five away games in all-competitions, so they can be broken down too.
- St Pats are the clear favourites and the value in backing them is limited, but I'm happy to do so on a straight result basis here and take the 1.85 Both Teams to Score option.
- Over 2.5 goals is 1.65 and that looks a sure thing given the contrast between the teams in terms of control versus chaos.
- The draw is at a tempting 4.75, but that isn't right, St Pats should have this game, and if they keep Galway pinned back, they should get enough chances to put them away.
