The only switch in defence sees Gary O'Donnell starting in the half-backs instead of Cathal Sweeney, while Lettermore's Anthony Griffin will partner the in-form Niall Coleman in midfield.

There are two more changes in attack where Sean Armstrong and Danny Cummins make way for John O'Brien and Mark Hehir, the latter having appeared as a second half substitute in the 0-17 to 0-11 defeat to Louth last Saturday.

Paul Conroy switches to the centre forward role in a Galway attack that relied on Armstrong and Michael Meehan for over half of their scores in Drogheda.

Meanwhile, Division 2 leaders Westmeath welcome back defender Doron Harte from suspension as they bid for their third league win on the trot.

But the Lakesiders will be without the injured Dessie Dolan and Paul Sharry this weekend. Harte takes over from the sidelined Sharry at centre-back with Mullingar Shamrocks clubman Ciaran Curley selected in place of Dolan, the scorer of a vital goal against Longford, up front.

Former All-Star forward Dolan is nursing a hamstring injury he picked up during Leinster's recent Interprovincial Football semi final against Connacht.

GALWAY (NFL v Westmeath): John Egan; Johnny Duane, Finian Hanley, Joss Moore; Gary O'Donnell, Gary Sice, Gary Sweeney; Niall Coleman, Anthony Griffin; John O'Brien, Paul Conroy, Sean Denvir; Eoin Concannon, Michael Meehan, Mark Hehir.

WESTMEATH: Gary Connaughton; Mark McCallon, Kieran Gavin, Kevin Maguire; Micheál Curley, Doron Harte, James Dolan; Denis Corroon, John Heslin; Ger Egan, Callum McCormack, Kieran Martin; Ronan Foley, Ciaran Curley, Denis Glennon.