League Preview: Waterford -v- Finn Harps

WATERFORD

Waterford will be hoping to avoid a fifth straight game without a win when they welcome Finn Harps to the RSC on Sunday afternoon. (KO 2PM).

The Blues began life after the re-start well by beating Shelbourne 1-0  at Tolka Park.

However, since then then John Sheridan’s side have drawn with Dundalk and Cork in league action while they’ve also lost to Sligo Rovers (League) and Dundalk(Cup).

Blues boss John Sheridan is hoping that his side can learn from their most recent defeat, a 2-1 loss to Sligo in the Showgrounds.

“I was disappointed with how we conceded on Tuesday evening and it’s something we’ll have to look at,” Sheridan toldwaterfordfc.ie

“I felt we played well in the first half of the game and really dominated. It’s something that will give us confidence ahead of Sunday’s game against Harps.”

Harps gained three points off Waterford on three separate occasions in 2019, but Sheridan is hopeful that it will be different in 2020.

“They’ll (Finn Harps) come down hungry for three points and will be looking to take something off us.

“They done well down here last year and we’re looking to put a stop to that. We want to get ourselves back on track and take the three points.”

Shane Griffin is fit to return after injury while Ali Coote is available once more after suspension.

Sam Bone, who came off with an injury in the defeat to Sligo is rated as a doubt for this one.

FINN HARPS

Harps will be looking for their first win away from Finn Park when they travel south on Sunday.

Ollie Horgan's side are yet to pick up a point since the Premier Division re-started at the end of July.

Since then, they’ve played four games, losing to St Pat’s, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Shelbourne.

Although Harps boss Ollie Horgan knows that John Sheridan’s side will be a threat on Sunday, he’s hopeful that his team can get a bit of luck and start picking up points again.

“Waterford have a very good side and that's been proven in some of their results this season. We just need to keep working hard and get that bit of luck to start and turn things around for us,” Horgan to finnharps.ie.

It’s also the first time since the re-start that Horgan will have had a full week to prepare for a game.

“We've had a bit of a break after a hectic start so we'll give it our best and see what happens.”

Mark Timlin will miss the game as he continues to recover from a long term knee injury.

Gareth Harkin and Raffaele Cretaro are both doubts for the game due to respective injuries.

Referee: Sean Grant

MATCH STATS

Waterford beat Finn Harps once in 2019 while Ollie Horgan’s side won on the other three occasions.

Harps have scored just three Premier Division goals this season. Only one of those has come since the re-start.

Ollie Horgan’s side will be hoping to avoid a seventh league defeat in a row when they face Waterford on Sunday.

BETTING

Waterford 5/6; Draw 11/5; Finn Harps 16/5.

PREDICTION

Waterford 2–1 Finn Harps

Waterford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Sam Bone.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: Mark Timlin.

Doubtful: Gareth Harkin, Raffaele Cretaro.

Suspended: None.