League Preview: DLR Waves -v- Wexford Youths

DLR WAVES

Waves will be looking to get their season off to winning ways when they play their first game of the season at the UCD Bowl on Saturday against Wexford Youths (kick-off 6pm).

The Dublin side were able to look on last weekend as the other eight WNL sides began their campaigns and prepare for the challenges ahead in 2021.

First up is the perennially strong Wexford Youths who will be looking to pick themselves up after conceding the losing goal against Peamount United in the last few minutes of their game last weekend.

Graham Kelly has recruited well during the off-season with Republic of Ireland international Jessica Gleeson coming into the fold along with Kate Mooney and Niamh Barnes to name a few.

Youths will be a tough challenge early on for Waves and they’ll get to see exactly where they’re at this season on Saturday evening.

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Youths will be desperate to write some wrongs on Saturday evening when they take on DLR Waves, and get three points on the board in the process.

The ran WNL Champions Peamount United close last weekend but ultimately lost the game after a wonder strike from Eleanor Ryan-Doyle.

Tom Elmes’ side had a key chance to win the game themselves in the last ten minutes when they won a penalty after Ellen Molloy was pulled down in the box.

Kylie Murphy couldn’t convert from the spot however and just minutes later Peamount had grabbed the winner.

In terms of team news Wexford will have much of the same squad available last week as Lauren Kelly and Aoife Slattery remain the only absentees for Youths ahead of this weekend.

Referee: Mark Houlihan

MATCH STATS

The sides met just once during the 2020 season with Wexford Youths running out 2-0 winners. Blessing Kingsley and Aoibheann Clancy were the goal scorers for Youths.

Youths have won four in a row against Waves. The last time Waves earned a share of the points was in a 1-1 draw with Youths in October 2018.

DLR Waves’ last victory over Wexford came in June 2017 with a 2-1 in the WNL Shield at Ferrycarraig Park. Their last League win over Wexford came in April 2015 when Waves ran out 3-0 winners.

BETTING

DLR Waves 23/10; Draw 3/1; Wexford Youths 8/11.

PREDICTION

DLR Waves 0–2 Wexford Youths

DLR Waves

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths

Injured: Lauren Kelly, Aoife Slattery.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.