League Preview: Waterford -v- Cork City

WATERFORD

Seventh-placed Waterford host fellow Munster club and eight-placed Cork City at the RSC on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm - buy tickets here).

The Blues return to the RSC as Cork City visit for the third Munster derby of the season.

Alan Reynolds’ side come into the game on the back of Extra.ie FAI Cup First Round progression last Sunday.

A 2-0 win, with goals from Shane Duggan and Kenny Browne, ensured the Blues saw off the challenge of non-league Maynooth University Town.

After a busy few weeks on the road, Reynolds will be hopeful his side can kick on from Sunday’s Cup performance and secure an important three points in the league.

Speaking to the club’s official website ahead of the match, Reynolds said is happy with the preparation for the game but expects a tough encounter with the 2017 League champions.

“It’s been a busy spell for us with a run of away games since our last home match at the RSC, so it’ll be good to get back there this weekend,” he said.

“Sunday was a much-deserved result against Maynooth. We created some excellent chances and could have won by more.

“It was important we got through the round and kept a clean sheet and we did that well.

“We made some changes from the previous game and lads are now starting to really compete for places.

“The busy schedule sees two games this weekend with Cork City the first visitors to the RSC on Friday before Shamrock Rovers on Monday.

“They are in a similar position to us, so it’s going to be a battle for both of us to get three important points.”

Sam Bone is in contention after making his debut on Sunday, but Zac Elbouzedi and Will Fitzgerald remain out for Waterford’s sixth last home match of the season.

After beating Cork twice already this season, a win in front of their own fans will be of significant importance for the hosts as they are on a three-game losing streak at the RSC.

CORK CITY

Following a dramatic penalty shootout win over Cabinteely in the FAI Cup on Friday night, Cork resume their largely disappointing league campaign.

City drew 2-2 after extra time at Cabo, goals from Conor McCarthy and Ronan Hurley ensuring an extra 30 minutes’ play.

The Leesiders have not won a league match since May 20th, a run of eight games (three losses and five draws)

Speaking to his club’s official website, interim boss John Cotter said he’s aware of the importance of Friday’s game, as well as how tough an opponent Waterford are.

“It’s massive for both clubs. No matter what side you go down with, or what side they have at the time, it’s never an easy place to go,” he said.

“The crowd down there is always passionate, and we always get a good following down there as well. It’s something you have to look forward to.

“Hopefully after last week, the boys have gotten a bit of confidence and can take it into Friday and come away with a positive result.”

“A victory would be massive, obviously we need to try and get a bit of momentum and put a few wins together.

“If we can get a win Friday, hopefully we’ll get a bit of momentum, but Friday isn’t going to be easy by any means.

“We’ll have to be at our best to get a win down there, but that’s what you have to do. It’ll be tough, we’re under no illusions.

“Waterford have a lot of very good players, and it’s a game we’ve prepared for. We need to go down there and put in a good performance.”

Mark O’Sullivan is likely to be back in contention while Conor McCarthy is being assessed after being taken off in the game on Friday. Youngsters Cian Murphy and Cian Bargary are both still injured.

Referee: Ray Matthews

MATCH STATS

The sides have met each other 25 times competitively since 2005. Cork have won 12 of those ties, Waterford have won eight and there have been five draws.

From those 25 fixtures, there has been an average of three goals per game.

Waterford won both of the previous games this season 2-0.

Recently departed Bastien Hery and Zac Elbouzedi both got the goals at Turner’s Cross in February, while second-half strikes from Shane Duggan and Elbouzedi gave the home side all three points in April.

Waterford have lost their last three games at home, not winning at the RSC since 24 May.

Meanwhile, City have not won away in the league since May 20, a run of four games.

Waterford have a home record of four wins, three draws and five defeats from their 12 games.

The Leesiders have an away record of four wins, three draws, and six defeats from their 13 games.

BETTING

Waterford 13/8; Draw 2/1; Cork City 8/5.

PREDICTION

Waterford 0 – 1 Cork City

Waterford

Injured: Zac Elbouzedi, Will Fitzgerald.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Cork City

Injured: Cian Bargary, Cian Murphy.

Doubtful: Conor McCarthy.

Suspended: None.