League Preview: Wexford Youths -v- Waterford United

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Wexford Youths will be raring to go against neighbours Waterford United having had to sit out last week’s league fixtures due to an unplayable pitch in Longford. The game in Farrycarrig Park has an 8pm kick-off.

Wexford have lost only once in seven games in all competitions and come into this game having secured three 1-0 wins, two over Cobh Ramblers (league and EA Cup) and crucially one over league leaders Shelbourne. The rich run of form for the Youths has seen them move into second place in the table with a game in hand over four of the six teams below.

The home side will have to plan without the services of Ricky Fox who is unavailable for the clash. Aidan Keenan is a doubt whilst Craig Wall sits the game out due to suspension.  

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United will be looking to build on last week’s performance when they take on near-neighbours Wexford Youths this Friday.

The Blues were defeated 1-0 by league leaders Shelbourne last Friday despite one of the best performances of the season to date, just lacking a finish past the Shels keeper during the 90 minutes.

After two league defeats on the bounce, The Blues will be looking to end the run of defeats with a valuable three league points to make up for the early season defeat against this weekend's opponents. Willie John Kiely got The Blues goal in the match in February, but goals from Danny Furlong and Dean Broaders gave the Youths the win.

The Blues are three points away from a promotion play-off position in the table and sit five points behind their opponents this weekend.

Peter White misses the game as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury. Conor Meade misses the game due to a family bereavement. Gary Delaney and Willie John Kiely are doubtful through injury.

“I thought that was actually the best performance that we’ve had all season. I thought that we really looked like a team,” Waterford United boss Tommy Griffin told Waterford-United.ie.

“Some of the style of football that we played was excellent and it was top drawer to be honest with you. It’s really disappointing to lose that game in the end and I’d say that Shelbourne are leaving wondering how they managed to win it.

“Our style of play was exciting because we tried to play it from the back and from midfield. It caused Shelbourne problems and like I said it was our best performance. It was a difficult week for us but we need to knuckle down now and refocus. We need to put this behind us because it’s done and dusted. We know ourselves that it was a good performance and if we can get that type of performance against Wexford Youths, we’ll be delighted.”

Referee: Ben Connolly

MATCH STATS

Waterford United have been clocking up the draws on their travels. Of their five games, four have ended in draws, with one defeat. They have yet to register a win on the road in the league.

In the last 12 encounters between the sides, Wexford have won six, Waterford have won six, with Youths scoring 17 times and Waterford 19. The biggest win went to Wexford, beating the Blues by 6 goals to nil in March 2012.

Wexford Youths are the only team in the First Division yet to draw a match at home. Waterford, along with Cobh, are the only teams in the division yet to win away.

BETTING

Wexford Youths 5/4; Draw 9/4; Waterford United 15/8

PREDICTION

A narrow win for the home side. 2-1 

Wexford Youths

Injured:  None
Doubtful: Aidan Keenan
Unavailable: Ricky Fox
Suspended: Craig Wall

Waterford United

Injured: Peter White (ankle)
Doubtful: Gary Delaney, Willie John Kiely
Unavailable: Conor Meade
Suspended: None