League Preview: Waterford -v- Wexford

Blues boss Keith Long

Blues boss Keith Long Credit: Liam Coughlan (ETPhotos)

WATERFORD

Title-chasing Waterford host Wexford at the RSC on Monday afternoon as the two South-East rivals reacquaint themselves with one another (kick-off is at 3pm).

The Blues head into their derby with Wexford off the back of a 2-1 win away to Bray Wanderers on Friday night.

And that victory was their sixth on the spin under their new boss Keith Long.

“Friday was a good win in Bray,” Long said. “The boys showed great resilience in the second half to get a goal to bring us back into the game, got a really good second goal and saw the game out well to pick up the win.

“Wexford are near neighbours and we know we’re in for a good match. They have real quality.

“There’s always good local interest when the sides meet and the games are always very competitive.

“We’re expecting more of the same as we look to continue our good recent form.”

Darragh Power and Matthew Connor continue their recoveries from injury but will miss out on Monday.

Wassim Aouachria returns for selection, while Ryan Burke is suspended.



WEXFORD

James Keddy’s Wexford need a win, and fast if they are to maintain the feel-good factor that surrounded the club earlier this season.

Keddy’s appointment and the arrival of key players such as Ethan Boyle and Conor Levingston increased expectations around the Ferrycarrig Park outfit this season.

But the Slaneysiders have struggled in recent weeks and are sitting outside the play-off places on 11 points in 7th place.

They have also claimed just one win in their last five outings and the most recent of which was a blow.

Keddy’s side were undone 3-0 away to Athlone Town on Friday night, leaving them five points behind Gordon Brett’s side in the table.



And their cause has not been aided by the loss of duo Thomas Considine and Aaron Robinson due to injury.

Evan Farrell is also out injured – with the trio expected to remain out for Monday’s vital derby showdown with Waterford at the RSC.

Referee: Daniel Murphy.

 

PREDICTION

Waterford 2-0 Wexford

 

Waterford

Injured: Matthew Connor, Darragh Power.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Ryan Burke.

 

Wexford

Injured: Thomas Considine, Evan Farrell, Aaron Robinson.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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