League Preview: Waterford -v- St Patrick's Athletic

WATERFORD

After a vital 2-1 win over Longford Town, Waterford host St Patrick’s Athletic at the RSC on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Blues win over Longford saw them move four points above them in the league table – and also stay in touch with 8^th position.

“We were happy to get another win on the board in Longford on Monday night,” March Bircham told his club’s media team.

“Everyone put in a massive shift up there and it paid off with another three points. That’s all I can ask of them.

“It’s another quick turnaround for Friday against St. Patrick’s Athletic, but the lads have been working hard all week in training.

“Recovery has been massively important over the last two weeks with a few games but everyone is looking after themselves and training has been good since Monday’s win.

“They are top of the league and are playing some good football. It’s going to be tough but the confidence among our squad is growing; you can see that day on day.

“We’ve taken two wins from our last three games, so we’ll keep focusing on ourselves and keep pushing to pick up points.”

Kyle Ferguson (knee) and Niall O’Keeffe (dead leg) are both doubtful for Friday’s game.

Meanwhile, Daryl Murphy, Oscar Brennan, Tunmise Sobowale and Isaac Tshipamba are expected to miss the game.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

League leaders St Patrick’s Athletic will be looking to maintain their impressive recent form as they take on Waterford at the RSC.

The Athletic come into Friday’s game off the back of a 4-1 win over Finn Harps – and their Head Coach Stephen O’Donnell is hoping that they can continue their good recent form.

"I'm really happy with the way we've come back since the break, the players have been working really hard,” O’Donnell said.

“I'm delighted with their attitude and the way they've trained and that has carried over for the most part into the games.

“We've got three wins from three since the break and now we go into a tough game against Waterford.

“In recent times, they've beaten Dundalk and Oriel Park and had a good win away to Longford on Monday.

“They are rejuvenated and reenergised and they are a lot fitter under Marc Bircham than they were previously.

“They are a young, talented squad and are playing with a lot of enthusiasm and their confidence is going to be very high after their recent wins.

“We are going to have to be at our best to get anything out and the game and try to finish off a busy week on a positive note."

Shane Griffin is the Saints’ only absentee for Friday’s game at the RSC.

Referee: John McLoughlin.

MATCH STATS

St Patrick’s Athletic have only won three times in their previous 11 league games against Waterford – with one win at home and away to the Blues.

On the Blues’ last visit to Richmond Park – they lost 1-0 on a night where Mike Newell was sent to the stands with an issue over the colour of sock tape.

BETTING

Waterford 7/1; Draw 16/5; St Patrick’s Athletic 4/11.

PREDICTION

Waterford 1 - 2 St Patrick’s Athletic

Waterford

Injured: Daryl Murphy, Oscar Brennan, Tunmise Sobowale, Isaac Tshipamba.

Doubtful: Niall O’Keefe, Kyle Ferguson.

Suspended: None.

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Shane Griffin.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.