Waterford United -v- Mervue United

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United host fellow First Division side Mervue United at the RSC on Friday night with a place in the FAI Ford Cup quarter-finals up for grabs.

This cup clash will be a welcome break for Waterford who have been stuttering in the league of late. Their ten game unbeaten run came to an end last week against Wexford Youths. Before that they had successive home draws against Athlone Town and Finn Harps.

However, sandwiched in between those draws was a 2-0 win over Mervue and Paul O’Brien’s charges will fancy their chances this time round again. That win was the second time the Blues overcame Mervue this season. The sides also played out a 0-0 draw back in April.

On the absentee front there is mixed news with defender Craig Burns ruled out with a hamstring injury. He joins long term casualties Daragh Walshe and Gary Dunphy on the sidelines. Also out is striker Willie John Kiely who sits this one due to suspension. However manager Paul O’Brien welcomes back midfielder Peter White who missed the defeat to Wexford.

Speaking during the week, O’Brien warned his players against complacency.

“Mervue have shown this season that they can be a formidable side, and we will have to be on top of our game to overcome them. The Cup is all about getting the performance required on a particular day. We are determined to and will certainly give it our all to do just that."

MERVUE UNITED

Mervue go into this game as rank outsiders with the bookies favouring the Munster side to advance.

However, Johnny Glynn’s side will know history beckons.  This is the furthest Mervue United have ever gone in this competition since joining the Airtricity League in 2009 and will be hoping to continue their good cup form, given their poor league standing.

However, they face an uphill task. The Galway club currently sit 29 points behind their Friday night opponents and look to be in a battle with SD Galway to avoid last place in the Airtricity First Division.

Perhaps even more concerning for Manager Glynn will be the fact that Mervue United have lost to Waterford at the RSC on all six times the sides have met there. They will also have to without the services of the injured Alan Murphy, Martin Conneelly and Noel Varley while Tom King is doubtful.

Mike Elwood is suspended.

Looking forward to the game, Glynn said his players knew exactly what was at stake and added they would have no fear of Waterford.

“It’s a cup tie, and the players are aware that a place in the quarter final awaits the winners. Even though we haven’t beaten Waterford this season, the players are looking forward to challenge ahead,” he said.

Referee: Kevin O’Regan.

MATCH STATS

This is the first time these sides have met outside the league.

Both Waterford United and Mervue United crashed out at this stage of the competition last year. The Blues went down at home to St Patrick’s Athletic 3-0 while the Galway club were beaten 4-0 by Drogheda United in Hunky Dorys Park.

Galway United ended Waterford's interest in the Cup on the last occasion the Blues were drawn against a team from Galway, with a 1-0 win at Terryland Park in 2008.

BETTING

Home 1/3; Draw 7/2; Away 15/2.

PREDICTION

A 2-0 win for Waterford United.

Home Injury News: Daragh Walshe, Gary Dunphy and Craig Burns.

Home Suspension News: Willie John Kiely

Away Injury News: Alan Murphy, Martin Conneelly, Noel Varley and Tom King (doubt).

Away Suspension News: Mike Elwood.