League Preview: Waterford -v- Derry City

WATERFORD

Waterford will be looking to put a stop to their recent run of poor results when they host European chasing Derry City at the RSC on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Blues go into Friday night’s game off the back of a 2-1 defeat against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium last time out.  

Goals from Graham Cummins and Graham Burke saw the hosts take all three points, despite Dean O’Halloran’s header sending the sides in level at the break.  

Speaking to WaterfordFC.ie ahead of the visit of Derry City, Waterford boss Alan Reynolds said; “We come into the [Derry City] game after an encouraging performance on Tuesday night in Tallaght Stadium.

“Going to Shamrock Rovers is never easy but we battled hard, kept our shape well and could have got a point late in the game.

“That was exactly the performance, work rate and heart that I wanted from the players. They spoke during the week together as a group of players and they knew they needed to up their game which they have done, so that’s what we need to bring into the game against Derry.

“We’ve seen a lot of Derry this season, with three trips there already this season, so it’s nice to be back at the RSC after the two away matches last week in Donegal and Dublin.

“We lost up there [in Derry] recently in the league and narrowly lost out in the EA Sports Cup semi-final so we want to try put that right. We have Derry and then Cork away on Monday so we’re keen to get points on the board.”

The Blues have a hefty injury list to contend with ahead of the visit of the Candystripes, with Rory Feely, Dean Walsh and Kenny Browne all out injured.  

Cory Galvin is unavailable with illness, while Karolis Chvedukas is suspended after his sending off midweek.

DERRY CITY

Hoping to continue their charge towards a Europa League position, Derry City make the long trip south to face Waterford at the RSC on Friday evening.

The Candystripes head into the game after falling to a heart-breaking three-two defeat at home to Dundalk in the last 16 of the FAI Cup.

Declan Devine’s side will be buoyed with how they took on the Lilywhites, but he will have to make do without the services of Greg Sloggett who misses out with injury.

However, Devine is aware that seven more wins will secure his sides spot in next years Europa League.

“We have seven league games left now and if we win those we will have qualified for Europe. That has to be the aim for us now.”

“It won’t be easy- we will need to be at our best in each and every game to give us a chance of making that happen. I do think this group of players deserve that reward for the work they have put in.”

Ciaron Harkin also misses out through suspension leaving the visitors to shuffle the deck a little against Alan Reynolds’ outfit.

Referee: Neil Doyle

MATCH STATS

Waterford are winless against Derry City so far this season, falling to defeat on two of the previous three league games.

The last meeting between the sides saw Derry City reach the EA Sports Cup Final with a 4-2 win after extra-time at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

BETTING

Waterford 3/1; Draw 13/5; Derry City 4/5.

PREDICTION

Waterford 1 - 2 Derry City

Waterford

Injured: Rory Feely, Dean Walsh, Kenny Browne, Cory Galvin.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Karolis Chvedukas.

Derry City

Injured: Greg Sloggett.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Ciaron Harkin.