League Preview: Waterford -v- Dundalk

WATERFORD

Waterford will be looking to get back to winning ways on Sunday afternoon when they welcome Dundalk to the RSC (kick-off is at 2pm).

The Blues head into the game following a scoreless draw away to now relegated Cork City last time out.

“Obviously we were disappointed with the result on Saturday against Cork,” Waterford boss Fran Rockett told his club’s media team.

“You always want to beat your local rivals and the three points would have been huge for us. We created some good chances but just couldn’t grab a goal.”

However, Rockett is nit losing faith and is wary of the threat that Dundalk pose to his side.

“We all know what Dundalk are capable of. They have proved it by getting to the group stages of the Europa League, but we know what we are capable of as well.

“We went up there in August and went 2-0 up. Lapses in concentration cost us that day and I know the lads will be wanting to put that right this weekend.

“We’re still in the hunt to finish as high as we can, and we have to keep pushing the teams around third and fourth.

“This group of players have given their all this season. I can’t ask for more from them.”

Robbie McCourt is out with a one-game ban, while Sam Bone continues to miss out due to a hamstring injury.

DUNDALK

After their Europa League exploits on Thursday evening, Dundalk return to domestic action on Sunday afternoon as they get set to visit Waterford at the RSC.

The Lilywhites impressed on Thursday evening but eventually ran out of steam in the second half at Tallaght Stadium.

Sean Murray gave Filippo Giovagnoli’s side a deserved first-half lead, but they were eventually undone by a second-half double from Molde.

Stian Gregersen and Ohi Omoijuanfo both netted for the Norwegians who bounced back from a poor opening half display.

Dundalk will now face Premier League Arsenal on Thursday evening in their next Europa League encounter – but they have to take on Waterford in the Premier Division before they can think of that.

In terms of team news, Dane Massey remains out, while Nathan Oduwa and Patrick McEleney are doubts.

Referee: Sean Grant.

MATCH STATS

The teams last played each other back in August when two Dundalk goals in the last seven minutes saw the Louth club earn a draw, after goals from Matty Smith and Kurtis Byrne had given the Waterford the lead.

BETTING

Waterford 10/3; Draw 13/5; Dundalk 4/6.

PREDICTION

Waterford 0 - 2 Dundalk

Waterford

Injured: Sam Bone.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Robbie McCourt.

Dundalk

Injured: Dane Massey.

Doubtful: Patrick McEleney, Nathan Oduwa.

Suspended: None.