Waterford United -v- Mervue United

WATERFORD UNITED

Paul O’Brien's side need all three points against Mervue United to keep up their chase for promotion at the RSC this evening. The Blues are four points behind Limerick with just two games remaining in the league.

Last weekend saw Waterford keep up their chase with a 2-1 win away to Finn Harps. Two Gary Dempsey free-kicks steered them to victory and moved them five points clear of second placed Longford Town. The Blues have won four out of five league games in series four so far.

The Blues continue to be without midfielder Gary Dunphy who remains injured, but midfielder Stephen Mulcahy returns from injury.

"I have said for the last few months that we will not throw in the towel as long as it is still mathematically possible for us to win the league," manager Paul O’Brien said. "We have now targeted six points
from our last two games. It may be good enough but if it is not we will go into the play-off games in a strong frame of mind.

“There is a self belief within the squad that we can secure a place in the premier league and we will give it everything from here on in, starting at home to Mervue United. We owe them one for beating us in the FAI Cup."

MERVUE UNITED

Mervue United come into the game on the back of four points from their last two games and will be looking for their second win in the RSC this season.

Johnny Glynn’s side have already beaten Waterford United, with their 4-0 cup win coming at the beginning of September.

A draw last weekend against Wexford and a 3-0 win against Athlone Town will leave Mervue looking to end their season on a high.

They will be without midfielder Shane Keogh who misses out through suspension, however, while Alex Lee (work), Kevin Crehan (work) and Brian Connolly (flu) are all unavailable to travel. Alan Murphy returns to the squad for the first time since the end of July while defender Kenny Farrell remains on the sidelines as he recovers from a long term ankle injury.

Mervue United manager Johnny Glynn is in confident mood ahead of the game: “We are looking forward to the game and building on the last two results and having won in Waterford in the cup for the first time last month should give us confidence going back down there.

“It will be a tough game with Waterford needing to win to keep the pressure on Limerick and they will of course be looking to set the record straight after our cup win last month.”

Referee: Keith Callanan.


MATCH STATS

The teams have shared 10 goals in their previous meetings this season.

Mervue United have won just twice in their last nine games.


BETTING
Waterford United 2/7; Draw 7/2; Mervue United  8/1.

PREDICTION
Waterford United 3-1 Mervue United.

Waterford United Injury News: Gary Dunphy.
Waterford United Suspension News: None.

Mervue United Injury News: Alex Lee, Kevin Crehan, Brian Connolly, Kenny Farrell.
Mervue United Suspension News: Shane Keogh.