Waterford United -v- Wexford Youths

WATERFORD UNITED

Friday night gives Waterford United the perfect chance to make amends for last weekend’s poor result when they hope to half a six-point gap to Limerick.

With league leaders Limerick not in action until Saturday, The Blues can close the gap for a day at least, but won’t be expecting anything other than a closely fought South-East derby.

While last weekend’s scoreless draw at home to Athlone Town did allow Waterford to jump to second place, it also allowed Limerick to move six points clear at the top of the table.

Manager Paul O’Brien has a few selection worries to deal with for the visit of The Youths. Gary Dunphy and Daragh Walshe will both miss the game though with Peter White and Willie John Kiely both suspended. Ben Ryan and Peter Keegan are both doubtful through injury but Sean Maguire should be available after a successful trial with Peterborough United midweek.

"We did somewhat better in the second half, and Peter White had two great chances”, manager Paul O’Brien said. “If feel if one had gone in we would have went on to win the match. This is a disappointing result, but we will dust ourselves down and get prepared for Wexford."

"That game is the first of the fourth and final series of games and anything can happen from here until the end of the campaign. We have not thrown in the towel just yet as regards the title!"

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Wexford Youths will look to put an end to their nine match winless streak as they visit the RSC on Friday.

After a good start to the season which saw just two defeats in their first series of games, the season has begun to fall apart. Sixth place is now where The Youths sit, a massive 21 points behind the third place promotion play-off spot. Despite poor results, performances have been worth a more favourable return and they will look to get back to winning ways this weekend.

The side’s opening match of the season saw a 6-0 win against Waterford United, but a 4-0 defeat in the RSC and a 2-1 defeat in Ferrycarrig Park, has handed bragging rights back to Waterford United.

Last weekend The Youths lost 3-1 to Limerick, despite taking the lead through Paul Malone, before two quick-fire Limerick goals turned the game on it’s head. Brian Nolan is rated as 50/50 for the game, but boss Shane Keegan has a full squad to chose from otherwise. Craig Wall returns from suspension.

“It’s a very big game for both teams", Youths boss Shane Keegan said, "probably for very for different reasons at this stage of the season – they are obviously still hope to win the league, they are not that far off the top spot. For ourselves it’s about turning our season around, the aim we set ourselves at the start of the season with regards to our points tally is still very much our main aim.”

"By and large our performances are still of a high standard, we just need to turn 70 minute performances into 90 minutes performances."

Referee: Keith Callanan.

MATCH STATS

The teams have shared 13 goals in their three league clashes so far this season.

Waterford United have scored 18 league goals at home this season, while the Youths have conceded the same amount away from home.

The Youths have earned more points in Ferrycarrig Park this season, while Waterford United have more points from their away fixtures.

BETTING

Waterford United 2/5; Draw 3/1; Wexford Youths 6/1 .

PREDICTION

2-1 to Waterford United

Waterford United Injury News: Daragh Walshe, Gary Dunphy, Ben Ryan, Peter Keegan.

Waterford United Suspension News: Peter White, Willie John Kiely.

Wexford Youths Injury News: Brian Nolan

Wexford Youths Suspension News: None.