Waterford United -v- Mervue United

WATERFORD UNITED

It must be said that Waterford United are constantly improving. Their recent form in all competitions boasts five wins in six, and some key players are starting to come into form.

Coming off the back of a 1-0 win over Everton AFC in the FAI Cup, United will look to take advantage of guaranteed dropped points in the top of the table clash in Longford, but to do so, they must overcome a steadily improving Mervue side at the RSC.

Following his sides win in the cup, Paul O’Brien commented on his squad’s performance levels. “"As we approach the half way mark in the League I am heartened by the spirit, work ethic and sheer determination to succeed shown by all the players in our squad. Friday's game will be tough against a Mervue team that is improving but I am confident in the determination of our lads to get us back to winning ways at the RSC, and send us into the break in a confident frame of mind."

Waterford come into this tie without Willie John Kiely who dislocated his elbow in his side’s heroic win in Limerick a few weeks back. John Frost and Daragh Walshe are also massive doubts ahead of the clash with the Galway outfit.

MERVUE UNITED

Despite a horrific start to the season from Johnny Glynn’s men, Mervue look a new side in recent weeks. Two wins from two in their most previous outings saw both a cup progression and a crucial, yet unexpected three goal win over Wexford Youths. It appears as though Mervue may have finally clicked into gear.

Mervue currently sit five points ahead of local rivals SD Galway in what seems to be a very sectioned off league table, despite the few teams actually involved. Five points ahead of basement side SD Galway and four points behind Finn Harps, Mervue find themselves in an awkward spot at the moment, but all they can do is keep winning, and only positives can emerge.

Speaking after his side’s cup win last weekend, Glynn was full of praise for Waterford. “Waterford are probably the best footballing side we have played this year and we were very fortunate to take a point at home in our first meeting this season. We will be looking to build on our recent good form and continue our winning run of the past two weeks and hopefully go into the mid-season break on a high.”

Mervue will have a severely weakened squad to choose from as injuries still rule out Martin Conneely, Kenny Farrell and Brian O’Donoghue while Mike Elwood and Pat Hoban are both considered doubts.

Referee: Sean Grant.

MATCH STATS

The two sides have met 10 times since Mervue became a League of Ireland side in 2009, but so far the Galwegians have not won a game.

Of the current squad, Seamus Long and Paul Phelan are the only remaining players to have scored for the Blues against the Galway outfit, both last season. David Breen and Ben Ryan have also scored against Mervue while with Wexford Youths.

Mervue have yet to score at the RSC in five visits, but they famously did have the ball in the net in June 2010, which became a bit of a minor viral phenomenon, when Kenny Farrell's attempted clearance rebounded from the face of Mike Elwood and flew 25 yards into his own goal.

BETTING

Waterford 8/15; Draw 11/4; Mervue 9/2.

PREDICTION

11/4 is a decent price on the draw. Two sides in good form; 1-1.

Waterford Injury News: Willie John Kiely, John Frost, Daragh Walshe.

Waterford Suspension News: None.

Mervue Injury News:  Brian O’Donoghue, Kenny Farrell, Martin Conneely, Mike Elwood, Pat Hoban.

Mervue Suspension News:  None.