League Preview: Athlone Town -v- Waterford United

Athlone Town host Waterford United in Westmeath this Friday evening with the game kicking off at 7.45pm.

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town came away from the UCD Bowl with a point last weekend and that result will help the Midlanders get over the 5-0 drubbing they received at the hands of a Limerick side, who have been ruthless in front of goal so far this season, the weekend before.

The team from the Midlands find themselves sitting at the bottom of the pile in these early days of the season and Alan Matthews will be eager to see his side win their first game of the campaign, a feat that has eluded them in the opening four clashes so far this term.

A couple of points on the road in ties with Drogheda United and UCD will encourage Matthews and he would be well placed to feel that his side have much more to give than they they offered in their disappointing home opener against Limerick.

In terms of injury concerns, it is only Conor Barry that sits this one out as he remains out injured.

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United travel to Athlone Town on Friday evening with Anthony McAlavey and David O’Leary available to take their place in a much improved Blues side but Roddy Collins will have to select his side without the inclusion of goalkeeper Kevin Burns.

Burns is unavailable due to work commitments and it is most likely that Corey Chambers who swapped Bray for Waterford this season, will start in between the posts.

Midfielder Aaron O’Connor also misses the clash as he recovers from an operation but having O’Leary is a boost for Collins who know that he will have to be mindful of the congested period of fixtures the Blues face.

“We have four games in the space of ten days which isn't easy so we'll have to be careful with injuries and that. We are without a couple of players for the trip to Athlone with Kevin Burns away and Aaron O'Connor still recovering from his recent operation.”

The Blues came out on top in a thrilling game in Athlone last season which finished 4-3 and are on a fine run of form with a side has that has proven there are plenty of goals on offer too. Former Athlone marksman Philip Gorman is now leading the line for United.

Roddy Collins will not be in the dugout due to his 6 game ban being upheld and  Aaron Callaghan will take the reins in his absence.

Referee:Marc Lynch

MATCH STATS

Waterford United have won four of their last five visits to Athlone with 18 goals being scored in those matches.

Athlone Town came out on top last season with two wins and a draw from their four matches against Waterford in the league.

Roddy Collins was in charge of the home side when Athlone gained promotion to the Premier Division in 2013.

BETTING

Athlone Town 6/4; Draw 11/5; Waterford United 13/8.

PREDICTION

Athlone 1-2 Waterford United

Athlone Town

Injured: Conor Barry.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Waterford United

Injured: Aaron O’Connor.

Doubtful: Kevin Burns, Roddy Collins Jnr and Yoann Fellrath.

Suspended: None.