League Preview: Waterford -v- Derry City

WATERFORD

Marc Bircham begins his reign in charge of Waterford this evening as they welcome Derry City to the RSC (kick-off is at 5.45pm).

The Blues have had to endure a difficult times in terms of Covid-19, and manager upheaval – but Bircham will be looking to bring some positivity back to the club.

 “I’ve been hugely impressed with the club since coming in, the facilities are fantastic, everyone here has welcomed me with open arms but there’s a lot of issues here at present,” Bircham told his club’s media team.

“Unfortunately, the biggest one is Covid and it’s the one we can’t do a great lot about.

“We’ve a few players where test results haven’t returned yet and that’s frustrating as we have to treat it as they can’t play until we know.

“With 3 games in quick succession before the break, we’ll struggle to get a squad in place due but we just need to keep focused.

“As I said to players being called up, this is your jersey to keep. You can earn this and keep it if you work hard enough.

“If we can steady ourselves and get to the break with some results, we can really come out of the traps and our season will start from there really.

Kyle Ferguson, Prince Mutswunguma, Jack Stafford, Jamie Mascoll, Oscar Brennan, Kian Kavanagh, Daryl Murphy, Tunmise Sobowale (suspended) all miss out today through injury and/or testing.

DERRY CITY

Derry City will be looking to get back to winning ways this evening as they travel to the South-East to take on Waterford at the RSC.

The Candystripes were denied by a controversial goal last weekend at Tallaght Stadium – but their manager Ruaidhri Higgins is looking forward to their latest test.

Although, they will have to make do without David Parkhouse and Daniel Lafferty through suspension, while Marc Walsh is a doubt.

“The two boys are out so we’ve had to plan for that,” he said.

“Marc Walsh is having a fitness test later but other than that everybody is raring to go.”

“The mood is great and there’s a bit of confidence after an excellent performance in Tallaght.

“They’ve been to the Brandywell and won already this season, so we know they’re dangerous. We have to go there and be positive, but we’ll have to work for anything we get.”

“It’s far too early to be looking at tables because a lot can change over the next five months. We’ve prepared right for the match and have to go and try to get three points just as we always do.”

Referee: John McLoughlin.

MATCH STATS

Waterford’s last league win came over Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium – with an Oscar Brennan rebounded spot-kick the difference between the two sides.

BETTING

N/A

PREDICTION

Waterford 0 - 2 Derry City

Waterford

Injured: Kyle Ferguson, Prince Mutswunguma, Jack Stafford, Jamie Mascoll, Oscar Brennan, Kian Kavanagh, Daryl Murphy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Tumnise Sobowale.

Derry City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Marc Walsh.

Suspended: Daniel Lafferty, David Parkhouse.