League Preview: Waterford -v- Cork City

Waterford FC

The home side welcome the league leaders in what is the final Munster derby of the regular campaign.

They are currently lying third in the table, four points adrift of Galway United. Although they were among the favourites for automatic promotion at the start of the season, it appears likely the play-offs will be their best option.

Inconsistent form saw them slip behind the main runners. They are on a six-match unbeaten run now across league and cup games.

This has seen them qualify for the quarter-finals of the cup, and almost cement a spot in the play-offs. They were forced to settle for a point away to Wexford last time out after being two nil up.

Danny Searle’s emphasised the need to keep going until the end of the season.

“We’re in good form with the two cup games thrown (to the four league games unbeaten), so we come into the game with plenty of motivation to keep on going”.  

He is aware of the challenge Cork face but stressed their own abilities.

“Colin Healy has them playing a certain way and its up to us to nullify that and do what we do best in attack. They’re top of the table for a reason, but we’re looking to getting back on the pitch again”

Cork City

Last weekend’s draw with Longford saw the league leaders go three games at home without a win for the first time all season.

Having twice gone behind, a Barry Coffey double secured a point against the play-off chasers.

In a frantic encounter, Cork had a goal disallowed and a series of chances saved at point-blank range. Colin Healy will be missing from the touchline after he received a red card after the final whistle for questioning the referee on certain decisions.

They did win their last away game in Cobh, but this presents a tough challenge with a trip to Galway following.

Healy reiterated his focus on getting a win though.

“We always play to win. We know their strengths and weaknesses and they have some very good players. I imagine that it will be a good game and I hope that we will put on a good performance for our travelling fans”.

He was proud when mentioning their form on the road.

“The players and the group that we have been fantastic this year. We just need to keep going. We were not really at it against Longford in the first half, but we were more ourselves in the second”.

Referee: Alan Patchell

MATCH STATS

Cork City have had the upper hand in the previous three games this season. An early two-nil win at Turners Cross was followed up with a two-one win at RSC. Waterford did manage to hold Cork to a scoreless draw away from home last month. This was despite being down to ten men for eighty minutes.

BETTING

Waterford FC 13/10, Draw 23/10, Cork City 7/4

PREDICTION

Waterford FC 1-2 Cork City   

Waterford FC

Injured: Eddie Nolan, Brian Murphy

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A

Cork City

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: Alec Byrne.

Suspended: N/A