League Preview: Waterford -v- Sligo Rovers

WATERFORD

Waterford are looking to get their campaign back on track tomorrow night following a defeat at the hands of newly promoted Drogheda United in round one (kick-off at the RSC is at 7.45pm).

As mentioned, the Blues come into the game following a narrow defeat last week away to Drogheda.

Kevin Sheedy’s side were undone thanks to a late own-goal from Cameron Evans – Evans joined Waterford on loan from Cardiff City.

Despite the defeat last time out, Sheedy has been able to add to his ranks this week, with Eric Molloy joining the club.

Molloy was most recently playing in the Polish second-tier, and was also playing on trial with Shelbourne during the 2020 summer pre-season last year.

Waterford have yet to provide team news ahead of their home game against Sligo.

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers began the new season with a 1-1 draw at home to Dundalk last Saturday and will be hoping to get their first win of the season at the RSC tomorrow night.

The Bit O'Red will hope to pick up where they left off after a late onslaught almost saw them pull of the victory last week.

Rovers manager Liam Buckley has a full squad to choose from with no injuries or suspensions within the camp.

Buckley said: “This week provided time for some players to get shaper. We had a few lads who had a shortened pre-season due to quarantining or little niggles they picked up meaning they missed out on parts. They are getting stronger now.”

While there was a positive outlook after the game, he says the performance must be built upon.

“Every match we play is going to a hard one. We’ve spent some time working on our fitness and tactics and trying to improve on last week. We go to Waterford looking for the result.”

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

MATCH STATS

It’s the battle of the teams that finished fourth (Sligo Rovers) and fifth (Waterford) last season.

The home side was victorious in each of their two meetings last season with Rovers edging it 2-1 at The Showgrounds while the return fixture at the RSC saw the Blues win 1-0.

Should Robbie McCourt feature for Rovers tonight, he will face his former club.

BETTING

Waterford 10/3; Draw 5/2; Sligo Rovers 8/11.

PREDICTION

Waterford 1 – 2 Sligo Rovers

Waterford

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.