League Preview: Wexford -v- Cabinteely

WEXFORD

First Division Wexford begin their 2021 league campaign on Friday evening with a home game against Cabinteely at Ferrycarrig Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Slaneysiders came bottom of the First Division last year, although they did show glimpses of what they can achieve during the season.

However, their manager Brian O’Sullivan is wary of the challenge his side faces this year in a ultra-competitive First Division.

“It’s going to be difficult for us,” O’Sullivan explained to extratime.com. “There are full-time teams in the First Division which is unheard of.

“Some years there might be one team but there are three or four teams this year. They might be training in the evening, but they are still doing four sessions a week so it’s essentially full-time.

“The big thing for us was improving the bench because at times last year we had little to be bringing on at times.

“This year we have lads challenging each other which is great. There’s competition all over the place. But we’re under no illusions.

“It’s going to be tough to pick up points whether it’s at home or away. I think we have improved but I think the problem is that everyone has improved.”

Wexford will be without Cameron Power and Anto Dolan who are long-term absentees through injury, and Dan Tobin will also miss out as he returns from a foot injury.  

Jack Doherty, Luke Turner and Charlie Smith are doubts.

CABINTEELY

Pat Devlin takes his Cabinteely side to Wexford on Friday evening as the South Dubliners look to right the wrongs of a difficult end to last season.

Cabo fell away from the promotion picture late on last term, so they will be hoping to learn from where they went wrong starting on Friday evening.

Cabo drew and lost against Wexford last season – with the 5-1 defeat in particular being a sour one to take.

But Devlin is looking forward to the new season and is pleased with his side’s preparations in pre-season.

“We are looking forward to the season. Our preparations have gone quite well. It is going to be a tough game against Wexford.

“It is all about results and performances. It is going to be a difficult league to navigate for a variety of reasons. Every club has recruited well.”

Apart from long-term absentee – goalkeeper Peter Quinlan (knee) – Cabo have a full squad available to choose from.

Referee: Mark Moynihan.

MATCH STATS

Since entering the League of Ireland back in 2015, Cabinteely have played Wexford 15 times in the league.

The Slaneysiders have won eight games while Cabo have claimed six victories – Wexford’s most recent win over Cabo came last season at Stradbrook in a 5-1 win.

BETTING

Wexford 2/1; Draw 23/10; Cabinteely 11/10.

PREDICTION

Wexford 1 - 1 Cabinteely

Wexford

Injured: Cameron Power, Anto Dolan, Daniel Tobin.

Doubtful: Jack Doherty, Luke Turner, Charlie Smith.

Suspended: None.

Cabinteely

Injured: Peter Quinlan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.