League Preview: Wexford -v- Kerry

WEXFORD

The South East side will fight to keep hold of their improved run of form on Friday evening when they welcome newcomers Kerry to Ferrycarrig Park (kick-off is 6pm).

Back-to-back defeats in the opening stages left Wexford a little lost in their rejuvenation after manager Ian Ryan departed in the winter, but James Keddy’s men have shown more firepower in the last two fixtures.

A comfortable 3-0 win over Athlone followed by a 0-0 draw away to Finn Harps will leave the squad feeling confident heading into this fixture.

Charlie Heffernan has looked promising in goal after securing two clean sheets on the bounce, however there are some injury concerns that may hamper their hopes.

Aaron Robinson, who bagged two in the win against Athlone, left the field injured in Ballybofey in the second-half last week, along with key players Conor Levingston and Kian Corbally.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, striker Ethan Boyle said: “People might get lulled into a false sense of security due to the heavy defeat they had last week.

“I’m sure they will want to bounce back and our task is to not let that happen.”

KERRY

It has been a decent start to League of Ireland life for Kerry. Narrow defeats to Cobh Ramblers and Bray Wanderers in the opening fixtures were difficult to take but they then made their mark by snatching a 1-1 draw at home to Treaty United.

Last week’s fixture was one to forget as Galway claimed a 9-1 win at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Billy Dennehy made three changes at the break but it wasn’t enough as the newcomers struggled against a dominant Galway side.

Ryan Kelliher bagged a consolation goal but Kerry will be hoping this heavy defeat doesn’t play on their minds against Wexford.  

Speaking ahead of the clash, Dennehy said: “Wexford have had many years where they’re fighting at the wrong end of the table but now they’re a club who have aspirations of getting into the play-offs. It will be another difficult game.

“We have good players within our squad and young players with a lot of potential going forward.

“For us now, it’s about them settling into this first team environment and the way football is at this level - how unforgiving it can be in relation to set pieces or a game like Galway.

“We have full belief in all the players in this group.”

Referee: Paul Norton

BETTING

Wexford 1/5, Draw 9/2, Kerry 10/1

PREDICTION

Wexford FC 2-0 Kerry FC

Wexford

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: Conor Levingston, Kian Corbally, Aaron Robinson

Suspended: None

Kerry

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: None