Waterford United -v- Wexford Youths

WATERFORD UNITED

A win for Waterford United this weekend will all-but guarantee a play-off spot this season after defeat at Mervue United ended their hopes of automatic promotion.

The Blues are now eight points behind league leaders Athlone Town, level on 41 points with Longford Town, who look likely to be their opposition in the promotion/relegation play-off at the end of the season.

But despite just two defeats in their last 13 league games, The Blues are still looking over their shoulder with Mervue United closing the gap between the sides to just four points with 12 points to play for.

Those 13 games have seen nine wins but that hasn’t been enough to catch league leaders Athlone Town. The Blues come into the game in good form and will look to put their poor showing last time out behind them as they welcome South-East rivals Wexford Youths to the RSC.

Michael Coady’s knee problem, which will keep the defender out for the rest of the season, is the only injury worry for Waterford who have lost twice to The Youths this season already. Peter Higgins and Philip Drohan ensured a 2-0 win for The Blues the last time the sides met in July.

“It’s very disappointing and we’re very disappointed as a team”, coach David Breen said after last defeat against Mervue United. “We knew that coming up here that this was a massive game but credit Mervue.

“I think that’s the third time that they’ve beaten us this season and they are a really organised side. We now need to concentrate and look forward to the next game, which will not be easy against Wexford Youths.”

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Shane Keegan will be hoping for another three points as he looks to make it three wins from four against their south-east rival Waterford United this weekend.

The Youths have had an up and down season, with a seven game winless streak putting an end to any play-off ambitions.

But wins at home to Cobh Ramblers and Salthill Devon, with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Athlone Town in-between, have put them back in form and set for a big game in the RSC this Friday night.

Wexford will be looking to catch fourth placed Mervue United to put a good finish on their season, and with just seven points separating the teams, and the sides meeting on the final day of the season, the target is realistic for Shane Keegan and his team.

Thomas Croke misses the game after his sending off against Salthill Devon sees the midfielder miss the next two games. Jimmy Dermody is a long term injury misses out, while question marks remain over injuries Joey Mulcahy, Brian Nolan and Daragh Walshe ahead of the game.

Referee: John McLoughlin

MATCH STATS

The three Blues v Youths this season so far have seen 20 yellow cards but only one red card dished out to players.

Both teams have shared six goals in their three matches so far this season, five out of the six goals coming in the first quarter of the games.

The Youths have conceded 25 goals away from home this season, and have scored just 24 goals both home and away this season.

BETTING

Waterford United 4/9, Draw 11/4, Wexford Youths 6/1.

PREDICTION

2-1 to Waterford United.

Waterford United

Injured: Michael Coady.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths

Injured: Jimmy Darmody.
Doubtful: Joey Mulcahy, Brian Nolan, Daragh Walshe.
Suspended: Thomas Croke.