Waterford United -v- Wexford Youths

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United need a win on Friday night to resurrect an ailing season that has stuttered its way into the second series of matches.

Their stop-start season has seen them pick up just one point from the last two games and sees them sitting third from bottom and eight points from the top of the table.

Paul O’Brien has seen pressure on his job during their poor start and another defeat this Friday night could see his job once again on the line.

The Blues boss does have a full squad to choose from with all injuries cleared up. Peter Keegan has recovered from a long-term injury knee injury and Gavin Kavanagh returns after missing last weekend’s defeat due to a college exam.

"I've never been involved in a game that we controlled so much and came out as the losing party but that's the way it goes,” Paul O’Brien said. “We gave away a silly goal from basic defending after five minutes and we're left chasing the game."

"We'll have to take this on the chin and push on. I don't know if it's going to be hard to still win the league, because everyone will beat everyone. We're not out of it. I'm still going to push the players because we're capable of winning this league."

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Shane Keegan will be hoping that his Wexford Youths side can continue a decent run of form that has seen six points from their last nine on offer.

Defeat to Athlone Town was sandwiched between good 3-0 wins against Cobh Ramblers and Salthill Devon.

A win for the Youths could see them jump to third place in the table and continue their challenge for promotion this season. Keegan’s side won the first southeast derby of the season coming from behind to secure a 2-1 win.

Shane Keegan will be without Brian Nolan who is suspended and CJ Browne who remains out injured, but has no other concerns ahead of the game.

Referee: Keith Callanan.

MATCH STATS

Wexford Youths have scored the least amount of goals of all First Division teams in the the first half of games with just three, but make up for it with over 70% of their goals coming beyond the 45-minute mark.

The Youths have scored twice as many second half goals than Waterford United, while both teams have scored four goals in the last fifteen minutes of their matches.

The Youths’ last three matches have seen a total of 15 goals.

BETTING

Waterford United 3/4, Draw 12/5, Wexford Youths 16/5.

PREDICTION

IT should be a lot closer than the betting predicts. The Blues’ home record of just one win in five compares to Wexford Youths’ one win in five away games this season. This derby game always delivers and this should be as close as usual. 1-1.

Waterford United

Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths

Injured: CJ Browne
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Brian Nolan.