League Preview: Waterford -v- Bohemians

Two teams who had contrasting fortunes on the opening weekend of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division are set to clash as Bohemians travel to the RSC to face Waterford tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

WATERFORD

Alan Reynolds’ team had the perfect start to the 2020 season when his side took all three points against St. Patricks Athletic last Friday.

Two of Reynolds’ new recruits proved to be key men in this win with Kevin O’Connor scoring the all-important goal and goalkeeper Brian Murphy making sure that the one goal was enough to give the Blues the win.

The club has continued to add to the squad since last Friday with Will Longbottom (formerly of Doncaster Rovers) and local lad Jack Larkin (promoted from the U19 squad) announced as new signings for the club at their launch night.

Considering their excellent start to the 2020 season, the pressure is on the Blues to perform in their first game in front of their fans at the RSC with their supporters hoping this could be the beginning of a challenge to gain one of the precious league spots that would guarantee European football for 2021.

This would be massive for the club after they were cruelly denied a spot in the Europa League in 2019 when Uefa did not grant them a licence to play in the competition.

In injury news, striker Dean Walsh and midfielder Jack Larkin will miss the game, while Akin Odimayo who was recently signed on loan from Reading FC is also a doubt for the game.

BOHEMIANS

Keith Long faces into his second game of the Premier Division season with a team that would have needed lifting after the heart break of their last gasp loss to rivals Shamrock Rovers last Saturday.

Shamrock Rovers was always a tough way for Bohemians to start the season but if the club want to progress on their remarkable achievements from last season a positive result tonight is required.

There, a number of teams that will be looking at how Bohs finished 3^rd in 2019 and be aiming to replace them as this seasons unexpected success story.

A lot has be going right for the Phibsborough club off the field with a record number of Season Tickets sold and a massive increase in club membership for the fan owned club.

However, Keith Long and his team know they need to continue the on field success and a win tonight could get their season back on track.

Bohs have injury worries with Dinny Corcoran who was withdrawn from the starting team before kick-off last Saturday and James Talbot who suffered an injury during the game both doubts for tonight’s game. 

On a more positive note for Keith Long is the return of Paddy Kirk after a suspension.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin 

MATCH STATS

Michael Barker scored an own goal against Waterford last season but also managed to score the winner for Bohs in injury time when the sides met in June.

Their 4 meetings last season saw the teams draw 0-0 twice before Bohemians got a 2-1 win in Waterford with Waterford returning the favour and winning 2-1 in Dalymount.

BETTING

Waterford 11/5; Draw 21/10; Bohemians 11/10.

PREDICTION

Waterford 1 - 1 Bohemians

Waterford

Injured: Dean Walsh, Jack Larkin.

Doubtful: Akin Odimayo.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: None.

Doubtful: James Talbot, Dinny Corcoran.

Suspended: Andy Lyons.