League Preview: Wexford Youths -v- Finn Harps

On Friday evening at Ferrycarrig Park, Second placed Wexford Youths play host to SSE Airtricity League First Division leaders Finn Harps. Kick-off 8pm.

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Wexford Youths head into Friday’s home fixture with Finn Harps aiming to return to winning ways, after Shane Keegan’s side failed to secure a victory in their last two outings, a 3-1 defeat to Athlone Town was followed up with a 0-0 draw away to Shelbourne FC.

Youths know a victory on Friday would be enough to surpass Harps and send them top of the table, speaking ahead of the game Keegan is aware of the huge importance of Friday’s fixture.

“This game doesn't need any extra hyping up,” he told wexfordyouths.ie. “The league table speaks for itself and we all know what is at stake. It may not quite be the title decider that both clubs hope the final game will be but it's certainly going to have a major say in things.

“One thing that could be a huge help to us over the remainder of the season is that 6 of our remaining 9 games are at home.”

Despite results not going the Wexford way in recent weeks, Keegan was quick to praise the fans’ support as a key cog that will help his side turnaround the recent blip in form

.

“The support that you offered during and after our defeat to Athlone was outstanding and if we continue to get your backing at tough times during the run in then I think it really can help drive us on.”

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps make the long journey to the South East with the aims of returning to winning ways, after dropping four points in their last two fixtures. A scoreless draw at home to Athlone Town while five days earlier they suffered a 1-0 defeat away to UCD.

Despite a recent blip in form, Ollie Horgan’s side will make the trip to Youths knowing they have already beaten the Wexford side at Ferrycarrig Park this season, after a Thomas McMonagle strike gave Harps a 1-0 victory.

Speaking ahead of the game, Harps boss Horgan revealed he is expecting another difficult game against the side many tipped for promotion at the start of the season.

“Wexford home or away is always a difficult game,” Horgan told finnharps.com.  “They turned us over in Ballybofey already and have added further quality to their already strong team in Willie Tyrell, Paul Cahalane, Chris Kenny and Shane Dunne.”

When asked with eight games remaining if a point against Youths would be deemed a positive result the Harps boss explained he will be delighted to return to Ballybofey with a point.

“Of course we would be delighted to take a point from the game, but that is easier said than done.”

However, if Harps are to return to winning way, Olly Horgan’s side must ensure their discipline is of the highest order after the Donegal side have had a player dismissed in their last two league outings.

Referee: David Keeler

MATCH FACTS

In the two clashes between the side’s this season, on both occasions the away side has left victories, Finn Harps 1-0 in Ferrycarrig Park, while Youths recorded a 3-1 victory in the sides recent meeting at Finn Park.

Wexford has won five of their eight at home games this season while the visitors Finn Harps have won only four of their ten away games, drawing three and losing three.

Both side’s failed to score in their last league outing as Wexford Youths drew 0-0 with Shelbourne at Tolka Park and Finn Harps played out a scoreless draw with Athlone at Finn Park.

BETTING

Wexford Youths Evens; Draw 23/10; Finn Harps 12/5.

PREDICTION

Wexford Youths 2-1 Finn Harps

Wexford Youths

Injured: Stephen Last, Dean Broaders, Aidan Keenan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Packie Mailey.

Suspended: Josh Mailey, Damien McNulty.