League Preview: Wexford -v- Cabinteely

WEXFORD

First Division basement battlers Wexford will look to round their difficult season off with a flourish when they host Cabinteely at Ferrycarrig Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Slaneysiders are in the midst of an unwanted winless run, a streak that sets back all the way to April, where they defeated Athlone Town.

Brian O’Sullivan’s side have been heavily impacted on in recent months by a string of notable player departures – with attacking duo Jack Doherty and Danny Furlong both moving on.

It has been a difficult year all round for the South-East outfit, with their on-pitch performances and results emphasising this.

However, they will take solace that they have caused issues for many of the top sides in the First Division – with Bray Wanderers falling victim to Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park.

In terms of team news, Thomas Croke will make his final appearance for the club after 90 games for both Wexford Youths and Wexford FC.

Chris Kenny is unavailable for selection while the duo of Andy Mulligan and Sean Roche may feature after missing training this week.  

CABINTEELY

Promotion hopefuls Cabinteely know that a win against Wexford, coupled with a defeat for Longford at St Colman’s Park – will see them finish in third position after they secured a playoff spot last week.

Cabo produced a scintillating first-half display to see off lowly Athlone Town, with Rob Manley’s 17^th league goal of the season sandwiched between a Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters brace.

Former Cabinteely forward Nika Kalandarishvili scored a second half consolation for Terry Butler’s side, but it was in vail as the Green and White’s secured a playoff spot for the first time in their League of Ireland history with a win.

With a playoff spot now secured, Cabo boss Pat Devlin admits he is hoping that his side can express themselves away to Wexford on Saturday evening.  

“We still have one game to go. It’s going to be a tough one against Wexford,” he told his club’s media team.

“They are going to want to win their last game as much as we do. We’re looking forward to it.

“It’s great to have the pressure off. This will hopefully be a game we can enjoy and express ourselves in.”

Jack Watson remains out for the visitors – having missed out on the last month of action with injury for the South Dubliners.

Referee: David Keeler.

MATCH STATS

Since entering the League of Ireland back in 2015, Cabinteely have played Wexford 13 times in the league, with the first coming in March of that year – a game which Cabinteely won 1-0.

The Slaneysiders have won seven games while Cabo have claimed four victories in the 13 games between the sides. There has only been two draws between the sides in the League of Ireland.

The teams have not drawn in the last seven meetings. The last draw came in April 2017, where Kevin Knight opened the scoring in the 17^th minute before the hosts levelled shortly after through Mark Slater.

BETTING

Wexford 4/1; Draw 3/1; Cabinteely 1/2.

PREDICTION

Wexford 0 - 1 Cabinteely

Wexford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Sean Roche, Andy Mulligan.

Unavailable: Chris Kenny.

Suspended: None.

Cabinteely

Injured: Jack Watson.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.