Mervue United -v- Waterford United

MERVUE UNITED                                                          

Possibly the biggest test of the season awaits Johnny Glynn’s side as they welcome in-form Waterford United to Fahy’s Field on Friday in the Airtricity First Division. Kick off 7.45pm.

The Galway side is unbeaten at home this season but badly need a win as the ever-improving Blues can overtake Mervue with a victory of their own.

Last year’s league runners-up come to Galway having won their previous three away games in all competitions.

However, it’s not just opposition form Mervue will have to worry about. Johnny Glynn is without a number of his first choice regulars due to injuries.

Captain Tom King and stand-in goalkeeper Brian O’Donoghue are out after picking up injuries during last week’s scoreless derby in Drom.

Defender Martin Conneely remains out with a knee injury but fellow defender Michael McSweeney returns after missing last week’s game.

King is a huge loss as his attacking prowess down the right side of midfield and leadership qualities will be sorely missed. Waterford will surely smell blood at Fahy’s Fields and, just maybe, Paul O Brien’s side can halt Mervue’s recent winning-streak over the Blues.

Mervue manager Johnny Glynn pointed to that very fact when speaking to the club website. 

"Our record against Waterford has been turned on its head in the past year, going from never being able to get anything to winning the last three meetings.

They are in great form at the moment and would still be one of the favourites to finish at the top end of the table and rightly so”.

WATERFORD UNITED

This will be Waterford’s third and last trip west of the Shannon this season and the Blues will be looking to make it three wins from three visits. United have already come away from Salthill and Ballybofey with maximum points in recent weeks.

Boss Paul O’Brien has no injury or suspension worries and his squad welcome back Peter Keegan who has been absent with a long-term knee injury. However, centre back Gavin Kavanagh is unavailable due to exams.

Last week’s 1-1 draw to Longford Town was a hard pill to swallow for Waterford. The home side led right up to the last minute but the away side equalized through David O’Sullivan. O’Brien alluded to the fact that the striker’s last minute goal felt like losing the game and his players took it badly.

"It feels like a defeat in the dressing room as the lads are absolutely gutted.

"To see the disappointment in the players' faces means a lot more to me than the result, because it shows that it means a lot to them now."

Waterford United are unbeaten in six games and will be a tough nut to crack on Friday night.

Referee: Adriano Reale

MATCH STATS

Mervue has scored 10 goals in last three games verses Waterford; all at the RSC.

Waterford has some catching up to do at Fahy’s Fields; two draws and a win so far for O’Brien’s troops.

The Blues have averaged 14 goals in six visits to the west.

BETTING

Mervue United 7/5; Draw 12/5; Waterford United 13/8

PREDICTION

Mervue United 2-2 Waterford United

Mervue United

Injured: Tom King, Brian O’Donoghue, Martin Conneely

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Waterford United

Injured: None

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Unavailable: Gavin Kavanagh