League Preview: Waterford United -v- Shelbourne

WATERFORD UNITED

After a tumultuous week, Waterford United will be hoping to get a release from controversy when they step out onto the RSC pitch to face table toppers Shelbourne On Friday night.

The Blues do, though, welcome back duo Gary Delaney and Paddy Barrett, while Peter White remains out with an ankle injury. 

Waterford manager Tommy Griffin is looking forward to the test of facing John McDonnell’s charges and takes heart from Monday’s EA Sports Cup defeat at the hands of Cork City:

“Down in Cork last Monday in the EA Sports Cup we fielded a very young side, and they were very disciplined and gave a good account of themselves against a good and very experienced Cork side. Although it is never pleasing to lose games it is important that we acknowledge some very promising performances by the entire squad. We did compete well and a lot of our play was very positive.

“Next we welcome high flying Shels down to the RSC. John McDonnell has them ticking over very nicely and they have been playing a good brand of football. I do not expect that to change– why should it, they are having a really good season. When we played them up in Tolka last time out it was a really cracking game, so hopefully again tonight this will be an exciting one for both sets of fans.”

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne will be looking to continue on from the fine 3-1 win they picked up against pre-season title favourites Longford Town when they travel south for Friday night’s clash.

The Reds will be out to avenge the late own goal from Lee Murtagh which cost them a victory against Waterford United earlier in the campaign, the game finishing 3-3.

Manager John McDonnell is under no illusions that the title race is far from over with so many games still to play this season: "There's a long way to go. We're not looking at the league table. We'll just go a game at a time. We only play it one way - we're not afraid to take it down and pass it. If we lose the ball, we go and get it back." .

Referee: Jim McKell 

MATCH STATS

Waterford United have had five draws in just nine games this season. That’s more than any side across both divisions after 9 games this season, apart from Derry City who also had 5.

Shelbourne have won 3 of the last six between these two sides, Waterford have been victorious twice with a sole draw coming in their last meeting.

Shelbourne have not suffered defeat since a 5-2 defeat to Bray Wanderers on March 10th. 

BETTING

Waterford United 11/4; Draw 11/5; Shelbourne 10/11.

PREDICTION

3-1 Shelbourne

Waterford United

Injured: Peter White (Ankle)
Doubtful: None
Suspended:  None

Shelbourne

Injured: None
Doubtful: Jordan Keegan, John Sullivan, Willo McDonagh, Conor Murphy
Suspended: None