Mervue United -v- Waterford United

MERVUE UNITED

Mervue United will have to overcome a long list of absentees and the history books if they are to record a first league victory of the season against Waterford United at Fahy’s Field on Friday evening.

The home side come into this fixture on the back of five straight losses in the league; the last of which was a 2-0 defeat at Wexford Youths last Friday. On top of their poor league run is a crippling injury list with Martin Conneely (groin), James Casserly (groin), Tom King (knee), Michael McSweeney (hamstring) and Brian Connolly (ankle) all definitely out, while Alan Murphy and Gary Kelly are doubtful. On a positive note, Conneely and King are about two weeks away from a return to action, while Kevin Crehan is expected to return shortly afterwards.

The visitors to Galway on Friday, Waterford United, have never lost to Mervue in the league (eight wins and one draw in nine meetings), although their last and only trip to Fahy’s Field ended in a 1-1 draw in July last year.

Mervue United manager Johnny Glynn acknowledged that significant improvement will be required if his side are to take three points on Friday: “There was not a whole lot of positives to take from last week’s performance against Wexford. It was disappointing and though our squad was again stretched to the limit we will have to improve on that if we are to get a result against a Waterford side who, no more than ourselves, have had a slow start to the campaign and will be looking to improve over the next few week’s. We have not managed to beat Waterford in the league and we will be hoping change that statistic this season”.

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United will aim to get back to winning ways in Galway after their disappointing opening to the season has seen them slump to third from bottom in the First Division standings, already seven points adrift of leaders Longford Town.

Last time out the Blues suffered their first home defeat of the season when Finn Harps took full advantage of Waterford’s injury problems to record a 2-0 win at the RSC. Waterford boss Paul O'Brien should have more options up front this week as Daragh Walshe is available, while the influential Willie John Kiely will face a late fitness test before the match, despite earlier fears he might have been unavailable long-term. However, O’Brien must plan without the services of Seamus Long who serves an additional suspension for his red card in the Munster Senior Cup defeat to Cork.

Strikers Adam McSherry and Gary Keane remain long-term injuries, while defender David Breen also faces a late test on a recurring thigh injury.

Referee: Rhona Daly

MATCH STATS

Mervue United have never beaten Waterford United in their nine previous meetings in the League of Ireland.

Waterford United have lost their two opening away fixtures this season; losing 6-0 to Wexford Youths and 3-2 to Longford Town.

Mervue United and Waterford United are the two teams in the First Division with the worst defensive records; Mervue have conceded ten goals this term while Waterford have shipped twelve goals.

BETTING

Odds:  Mervue United 2/1; Draw 9/4; Waterford United 6/5.

PREDICTION

Waterford United have more attacking options this week and they should just get the three points. Mervue United 1-2 Waterford United.

Mervue Injury News: Martin Conneely, James Casserly, Tom King, Michael McSweeney, Brian Connolly.

Mervue Suspension News: Mike Elwood, Stephen Walsh.

Waterford Injury News: Adam McSherry, Gary Keane.

Waterford Suspension News: Seamus Long.