Waterford United -v- Mervue United

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United welcomes their recent bogey team Mervue United to the Regional Sports Centre on Friday night, kick off 7.45pm.

The mere mention of the 4-0 hammering at the Blues’ home ground back in March brings a cheeky smile to the Mervue faithful. The Galway side’s biggest away win of the season raised quite a few eyebrows and rattled Waterford’s cage.

Since that night the Blues has lost manager Paul O’Brien, flirted with the basement boys, but, have managed to climb up the table and sit one point above Friday’s visitors.

Last week Waterford will feel unlucky to have lost 2-1 at Longford Town, despite playing nearly 70 minutes of the game with only ten men. Administrative issues before kick-off along with injuries during the game also didn’t help the interim management.

The Blues will be without the suspended duo of Peter White and Craig Hyland. Michael Coady missed the game through injury while Dylan Mernagh is competing for Ireland at the University Games in Russia. New signings Paddy Barrett, Conor Meade and Marco Chindea have all received their respective FAI and international clearance to make their debuts.

Coach David Breen remains positive following that defeat at the City Calling Stadium.

"I know we're nine points behind Longford after this result tonight, but they'll slip up again, and we'll have to be ready to take our chance. We have 12 games to go in the league and we'll be fighting to win every single one of those games in a bid to win promotion to the top division."

MERVUE UNITED

Mervue got back to winning ways last week thanks to two Gary Shanahan goals in the 2-1 Galway city derby win over Salthill Devon.

That win has kept the claret and blue in contention for a play-off spot as dreams of automatic promotion have long since faded. The Galway side now trail league leaders Longford Town by ten points and only one point behind Friday’s hosts.

Therefore, to say there is a lot at stake for both sides in this game is an understatement.

Johnny Glynn’s side are still without captain Tom King and midfielder Barry O’Mahony who are away on international duty with the University's team in Russia. Paul Sinnott is doubtful while Stephen Walsh missed the game through suspension. 

Glynn will be secretly ruing their loss as Mervue’s recent away record is poor to say the least. In fact, the last time the Galway side won on the road was the hammering of Waterford at the RSC in March.

The manager knows Friday’s game will be a thoroughly testing encounter. “Waterford are on a good run of form having won four of their last five league games and were very unlucky to lose to leaders Longford last week with ten men. They will certainly be a different proposition to the Waterford side we faced earlier in the season.”

Referee: Rhona Daly

MATCH STATS

Mervue have been victorious over Waterford on their last three visits to RSC.

Mervue has struggled for goals on the road this season, but have scored 12 in four games against Waterford.

The Blues are on a run of four wins from their last five games.

BETTING

Waterford United 10/11; Draw 5/2; Mervue united 5/2

PREDICTION

Waterford United 2-0 Mervue United

Waterford United

Injured: Michael Coady

Unavailable: Dylan Mernagh

Suspended: Craig Hyland, Peter White

Doubtful: None.

Mervue United

Injured: None

Unavailable: Tom King, Barry O’Mahony

Doubtful: Paul Sinnot

Suspended: Stephen Walsh