Bitesize Prediction: Galway vs Longford – 24/03/23

Competition: Irish First Division

Market: Galway half-time/full-time

Odds: 1/1 @ 888sport

Simply looking to widen their buffer at the top of the First Division table on Friday night, Galway will welcome Longford to Eamonn Deacy Park.

Starting with the hosts, while Galway might have missed out on the chance to claim a Premier Division return last season, John Caulfield’s side have come flying out the traps this time around. Last seen putting in another professional display as they claimed a 2-0 victory away at at Cobh Ramblers, the Tribesmen have won each of their first nine First Division appearances. With their remarkable start to the campaign underlined by a remarkable 9-1 romp against Kerry earlier in the month, it is no secret that Galway are tipped as a landslide promotion contender in 2023. The only second-tier side who can boast a 100% start from their first five outings, Caulfield’s high-flying squad should be smelling a golden chance to lay down another marker on Friday night. Already mustering 10 strikes in their back-to-back victories at Eamonn Decay Park, the Tribesmen are rightfully seen as a landslide pick here.

As for the visitors, while Longford might have shocked many across Ireland’s second-tier last season, Jim Hanley’s side have failed to find any real fluidity this time around. Last seen putting in another toothless display as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at home against the Finn Harps, they are yet to put a single First Division victory on the board from their first five attempts. Likewise, along with opening this season’s campaign with a 3-1 drumming at home against Athlone, there is no doubt that Hanley will have a major headache over his side’s extended struggles in the final third. Now failing to muster a single goal from any of their last four straight appearances, Longford will be more than aware that they face a huge challenge here. Suffering a 3-0 defeat when they last met the leading promotion contenders back in October, we are expecting a similar home victory on Friday night.

Bet: Galway half-time/full-time against Longford 1/1 for Friday’s Irish First Division matchup @ 888sport