League Preview: Waterford -v- Cork City

WATERFORD

Waterford will be looking to put a challenging week off the pitch behind them when they entertain Cork City at the RSC on Saturday afternoon. (Live on WatchLOI at 2PM).

Earlier this week we saw two unnamed Blues players present themselves with COVID-19 symptoms.

The first player tested negative for the devastating virus while the result of the second player’s test is yet to be announced.

We understand that the second player was “a casual contact” of the first team squad and as a result the Blues have been given the ok to return to training and competition.

On the field, new Blues boss John Sheridan would have been delighted with last Saturday’s win away at Shelbourne.

A solitary, first half strike from John Martin gave Waterford all three points in the capital.

To date, Waterford have had a decent season, beating Derry City and St Pat’s before lockdown.

A win for Waterford on Saturday could see them leap frog St Pat’s into fourth place with a game at hand.

At the time of uploading Waterford haven’t provided any team news for the fixture.

CORK CITY

Neale Fenn will be hoping his side can put a difficult week behind them when they travel to the RSC on Saturday afternoon.

Last Sunday saw City fall to a fifth defeat of the season, losing 1-0 to Keith Long’s Bohemians at Turners Cross.

The Rebels then went onto lose the Munster Senior cup final 2-0 to Rockmount on Tuesday.

Although Fenn isn’t content with results of late, he insists that it isn’t time to panic.

“We've lost five out of six, so supporters have every right to be negative. We can't be negative, we have to look at each game in each individual context,” Fenn explained to the media at a press conference during the week.

The former Longford Town manager has done his homework on Waterford and knows what to expect come Saturday.

“Waterford played well on Saturday against Shels. It was a good game - there was not a lot in it, and it was a very tight affair. They got a goal and managed to protect it. They're a good team with some good players, so we'll have to be aware of that."

Graham Cummins will miss out on a chance to face his former side through injury. Charlie Fleming and Gearoid Morrissey should play some part after featuring against Rockmount.

Deshane Dalling will miss the game through suspension.

Referee: Adriano Reale

MATCH STATS

Cork City are yet to score a goal away from Turner’s Cross this season.

Cork City (12) have conceded more goals than any other club in the Premier Division.

In 2019, the away team won the game each of the three times the sides met in league action.

BETTING

Waterford 10/11; Draw 21/10; Cork City 11/4.

PREDICTION

Waterford 1-0 Cork City

Waterford

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended:None.

Cork City

Injured: Graham Cummins.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Deshane Dalling.