Waterford United -v- Limerick FC
Credit:
Airtricity 1st Division league leaders Waterford United welcome Limerick to the RSC for a Munster derby this Friday evening hoping to continue their 100% record in the league so far.
The Blues continued their fine start to the season last weekend with a hard fought 3-2 win away to Mervue United in Terryland Park meaning they have now won their opening five league games against Wexford Youths, Cork City, Derry City, Salthill Devon onto of last week’s Mervue victory. The Blues hold a four point gap on Shelbourne and have scored 10 goals while conceding just two.
Manager Stephen Henderson was happy with last week’s win but knows that Limerick pose a threat. "We deserved to win on what was a very sticky pitch”, he said. "The game was in doubt on the morning of the match but thankfully it was played and we won, and to get six points from our visits to Galway within the space of a week is great. We showboated when we went 3-1 up and I didn't like that. We should have killed them off but we switched off for their second goal which was a little disappointing."
"We will put our long travels to Galway behind us now and concentrate fully on the Munster derby against Limerick. They always put it up to us, but we will be ready and waiting for them to come to the RSC."
Kevin Waters has been ruled out for a few weeks with a torn calf muscle. Chris Konopka remains a doubt having missed last week’s win with a thigh problem while midfielder Paul McCarthy’s continuing ankle problem leaves him a doubt for the game.
The Blues squad has been boosted by the signing of George O’Callaghan on Wednesday night. The former Cork City and Dundalk midfielder’s registration is expected to be completed in time for him to make his debut this Friday. O’Callaghan should add to an already talented midfield and enhance the Blues promotion ambitions.
Limerick have had a positive start to the season. An opening day draw against Mervue was followed up by a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Derry City. Wins against Longford Town and Finn Harps however propelled then up the table, but last weekend’s defeat to Cork City Foras Co-Op bring them into this game with a disappointing defeat behind them.
"We let ourselves down last week with the way we played against Cork",Manager Pat Scully said. "I was glad to have another run out on Sunday in the Munster Senior Cup so that the club could put that result behind them. We need to up our game against a well organised Waterford Team who have won all their games to date and have not yet conceded."
Venue: RSC Waterford
Referee: Jim McKell
paddypower.com odds: Waterford United 4/7 Draw 5/2 Limerick 4/1
Waterford United
Doubtful: Chris Konopka, Paul McCarthy
Injured: Kevin Waters
Suspended: None
Limerick
Doubtful: None
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Extratime Prediction: A tougher game for Waterford Utd, but should come out on top. 3-1.
The Blues continued their fine start to the season last weekend with a hard fought 3-2 win away to Mervue United in Terryland Park meaning they have now won their opening five league games against Wexford Youths, Cork City, Derry City, Salthill Devon onto of last week’s Mervue victory. The Blues hold a four point gap on Shelbourne and have scored 10 goals while conceding just two.
Manager Stephen Henderson was happy with last week’s win but knows that Limerick pose a threat. "We deserved to win on what was a very sticky pitch”, he said. "The game was in doubt on the morning of the match but thankfully it was played and we won, and to get six points from our visits to Galway within the space of a week is great. We showboated when we went 3-1 up and I didn't like that. We should have killed them off but we switched off for their second goal which was a little disappointing."
"We will put our long travels to Galway behind us now and concentrate fully on the Munster derby against Limerick. They always put it up to us, but we will be ready and waiting for them to come to the RSC."
Kevin Waters has been ruled out for a few weeks with a torn calf muscle. Chris Konopka remains a doubt having missed last week’s win with a thigh problem while midfielder Paul McCarthy’s continuing ankle problem leaves him a doubt for the game.
The Blues squad has been boosted by the signing of George O’Callaghan on Wednesday night. The former Cork City and Dundalk midfielder’s registration is expected to be completed in time for him to make his debut this Friday. O’Callaghan should add to an already talented midfield and enhance the Blues promotion ambitions.
Limerick have had a positive start to the season. An opening day draw against Mervue was followed up by a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Derry City. Wins against Longford Town and Finn Harps however propelled then up the table, but last weekend’s defeat to Cork City Foras Co-Op bring them into this game with a disappointing defeat behind them.
"We let ourselves down last week with the way we played against Cork",Manager Pat Scully said. "I was glad to have another run out on Sunday in the Munster Senior Cup so that the club could put that result behind them. We need to up our game against a well organised Waterford Team who have won all their games to date and have not yet conceded."
Venue: RSC Waterford
Referee: Jim McKell
paddypower.com odds: Waterford United 4/7 Draw 5/2 Limerick 4/1
Waterford United
Doubtful: Chris Konopka, Paul McCarthy
Injured: Kevin Waters
Suspended: None
Limerick
Doubtful: None
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Extratime Prediction: A tougher game for Waterford Utd, but should come out on top. 3-1.
About Brendan White
Brendan White is Extratime News Editor and is responsible for the news section of Extratime.ie. Brendan also covers matches in Dublin and Waterford. You can contact Brendan on twitter @whitebrendan. View Full Profile