League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Waterford

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda are back in the Premier Division for the first time since 2017 and have strengthened impressively during the off season.

In terms of experience you won’t find much more than the trio of Dane Massey, Dinny Corcoran and Gary Deegan. Their shrewd transfer business is a huge boost to their season ambitions and their bid to avoid the yearly relegation dog fight.

Tim Clancy has re signed fifteen of last season’s title winning squad with eight new arrivals. Sam O’Brien and Mohammed Boudiaf have been promoted to the senior squad from the clubs U19 side.

Drogheda come up to the top flight having ended the 2020 season as 1^st Division champions top of the pile just a single point ahead of Bray Wanderers.

Tim Clancy has 2020 First Division Player of the Year Mark Doyle among his ranks despite being just twenty two Doyle’s form this season will play a huge part towards Drogheda achieving their goals for the season.

Mark Hughes misses out for the season opener through injury with everyone else fit for selection against Waterford.

WATERFORD

Kevin Sheedy makes his Airtricity League managerial debut against Drogheda United tonight in a season where Waterford are expected by many to struggle against beating the drop.

Alan Reynolds, John Sheridan and Fran Rockett all managed the side at some stage last season in what was a busy few months off the field for Waterford.

On the field it was a season that the fans will be very happy with if not slightly surprised as their search for a European place went all the way to the last match of the season.

It wasn’t to be though with Waterford ending the league season with an impressive fifth place finish.

Sheedy has been busy during the off season bringing in ten new signings including Oscar Brennan, Cameron Evans and Cian Kavanagh.

With such a youth heavy squad this season the experience of Brian Murphy will be vital to lean on as Sheedy attempts to replicate a season like 2020 once more.

The season opener has come a bit too soon for Darragh Power who misses out with a light hamstring strain.

Referee: Graham Kelly.

MATCH STATS

Drogheda have last season’s First Division Player of the Year Mark Doyle within their ranks. Re-signing the 22-year-old for the upcoming season was a real statement from Tim Clancy and a boost to their season ambitions.

Kevin Sheedy takes charge of his first ever Airtricity League game as manager this evening. The Irish soccer legend has coached at his former club Everton, Tranmere Rovers, Hartlepool and Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab in recent years.

Drogheda join the top flight party as First Division Champions with Waterford finishing an impressive fifth place in the Premier Division.

BETTING

Drogheda 11/10; Draw 21/10; Waterford 12/5

PREDICTION

Drogheda 2-0 Waterford

Drogheda

Injured: Mark Hughes

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Waterford

Injured: Darragh Power (hamstring)

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.