League Preview: Dundalk -v- Waterford

DUNDALK

Dundalk will be looking to make a winning return in front of spectators as they welcome Waterford to Oriel Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Lilywhites come into the game having won their last league game before the break – winning two-nil against St Patrick’s Athletic.

And their interim boss Jim Magilton is hoping that his side can build on that win as they welcome Waterford to Oriel Park.

“The players have trained really well for the last two weeks. They look prepared, eager, and they look fit. We’re going to have a right go.

“Waterford are going to present a huge task for us because they’ve had a much-needed break, so they’re going to be back, refreshed and ready for it. They have good players but we’ll have to withstand that.

“We’ll have to acknowledge and respect their strengths but come and really put ourselves up and take the game to them.”

Defender Sonni Nattestad added: “It’s been a tough start but hopefully now I can stay injury free and play the rest of the games this season.

“We’re going to try to win the rest of the games. We can still make it into the European places even though we had a difficult start but hopefully things will turn now.

“We can hopefully win all of our games and finish as high as possible in the league.”

WATERFORD

Waterford boss Marc Bircham will be hoping to secure his first win as Waterford boss as the Blues get set to take on Dundalk.

Waterford are winless in seven but have shown glimpses of improvement under Bircham – and the former QPR stalwart is hopeful that his side can use the break to their advantage.

“The lads are looking forward to getting on the pitch on Friday night,” he told his club’s media team.

“While most clubs may have been off during the break, we’ve tried to make the most of the time to work on the training pitch and get ready for the next part of the season.

“The players have reacted well and they’re raring to go. We know we needed to work on certain areas and the fixture break has allowed the coaching staff to work with the players to try to improve those areas.

“Dundalk are the home team and will have fans back too, so they’ll be looking to get points to start moving up the table.

“I know Jim Magilton well and he’ll have his team ready to go. We’ll worry about ourselves though, work hard and look to start picking up points.

“We’ve got players back but had a few knocks this week too so we’re managing that but getting the lads back on the pitch will be great; we’ve some tough games ahead with Dundalk and then Shamrock Rovers but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Isaac Tshipamba misses the game through suspension while Jamie Mascoll, Brian Murphy and Niall O’Keeffe are doubtful.

Daryl Murphy misses out. Meanwhile, midfielder James Waite and defender Josh Collins have both departed the club during the mid-season break.

Referee: John McLaughlin.

MATCH STATS

Waterford are winless in their last seven league outings, with their most recent win coming at home to Longford Town.

Dundalk have won two of their last three games – beating Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic.

BETTING

Dundalk 1/7; Draw 9/2; Waterford 12/1.

PREDICTION

Dundalk 4 - 0 Waterford

Dundalk

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Unavailable: Raivis Jurkovskis (international duty). Wilfried Zahibo (quarantine).

Suspended: Chris Shields.

Waterford

Injured: Daryl Murphy.

Doubtful: Jamie Mascoll, Brian Murphy, Niall O’Keefe.

Suspended: Isaac Tshipamba.