League Preview: DLR Waves -v- Peamount United

DLR WAVES

DLR Waves will be looking for their third win in a row when they host WNL Champions Peamount United on Saturday (kick-off 6pm)

Graham Kelly’s side aren’t as free scoring as some of their rivals in the WNL so far this season, but they secured two 1-0 wins over Bohemians and Athlone Town in their last two games to keep them in the top four.

Last Saturday Carla McManus scored in the seventh minute to give the Dublin side the three points against  a tough Athlone Town side.

Attention now turns to Peamount United, who have won all their games so far this season and Graham Kelly is expecting a tough game.

“It’s a really tough game for us, there are no easy games in this League and every game is a tough game,” Kelly said speaking to extratime.com after their 1-0 win over Athlone Town.

“We just go into it, we have nothing to lose, Peamount are favourites, everyone knows that.

“They’re unbeaten, played six and won six. It’s a free shot, let’s go and see what we can do and if we lose everyone expects us to lose, so let’s go for it.”

In terms of team news, Waves are still without the injured Kate Mooney, Jane McKevitt and Louise Corrigan.

Nadine Clare returns to the squad after recovering from an ankle injury.

PEAMOUNT UNITED

Peas made it six wins in a row this season with victories in all their games so far this WNL campaign.

James O’Callaghan ran out 3-1 winners over Cork City last weekend but they certainly didn’t have it all their own way in that game.

Eleanor Ryan-Doyle put United in front in the 15^th minute but Cork City equalised through Eva Mangan to go into the half-time break level.

Peamount managed to find the extra goals in the second half however, with Ryan-Doyle adding a second for herself and Áine O’Gorman adding the third  late in the game to claim the three points.

United will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table with a seventh win of the season on Saturday and their manager is expecting a tough challenge when they face Waves on Saturday.

“DLR have had a phenomenal start – they’re playing really well, they’re compact, and they’ve got a really good attacking threat in their team as well,” O’Callaghan said, speaking to the Dublin Gazette earlier this week.

“Graham has gathered a lot of new signings and a lot of experience with some good young players coming through.

“It’s really coming to fruition for him this season, all the work he’s been doing over the past season or two and I fully expect them to do well this year.”

MATCH STATS

Peamount United are looking for their 14^th WNL win in a row this weekend.

Eleanor Ryan-Doyle’s two goals last weekend have brought her level with Rachel Kearns in the golden boot race. The two strikers have six goals each so far this season.

DLR Waves haven’t beaten Peamount United since May 2017 when they ran out 2-1 winners. Amber Barrett scored for Peas on the day while Dearbhaile Beirne scored a brace for Waves.

BETTING

DLR Waves 17/2; Draw 4/1; Peamount United 1/5.

PREDICTION

DLR Waves 0–2 Peamount United

DLR Waves

Injured: Kate Mooney, Jane McKevitt, Louise Corrigan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Peamount United

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.