Derry City -v- Waterford United

• Simon O'Gorman
• Fri, May 28 2010


First play second in the Airtricity First Division this weekend as leaders Derry City host Waterford United at the Brandywell on Saturday evening. (Kick off 6pm)

Stephen Kenny has a few selection worries ahead of the game.Shane McEleney is away on international duties and Patrick McEleney is doubtful. Sharkey, Parkhouse and Harkin also remain injured. Should Patrick McEleney not make it this will require an adjustment in either the front line or on the left hand side. Cassidy, Sweeney, Farren and McBride are all competing for position

Although Waterford hit the ground running and won all six of their opening league games, injuries and fatigue have taken their toll and the Blues have won only one of their last five. As Waterford manager, Stephen Henderson, admits, it may not be the best time for his side to face a formidable Derry team.

“Instead of looking forward to the game against Derry we've got a massive problem as so many of our players are the walking wounded to be honest. The players are extremely tired because we have been playing non-stop for the last month."

Waterford will be without Alan Carey and fellow defenders John Hayes and Kevin Murray face late fitness tests. They also have doubts over Paul McCarthy and James O’Sullivan. "Changing the team around and trying to get players playing properly out of their normal positions is not easy for anyone, but we have a small squad and there's not a lot we can do in those circumstances", added Henderson.

Getting a result in Derry’s back yard will not be easy. The Candystripes have only lost one league game in the thirteen played so far, though Waterford fans will be quick to point out that it was they who inflicted it, courtesy of a Liam Kearney goal, when the teams met at the RSC back in March.

But if Waterford’s form is less than scintillating, Derry too have endured a difficult fortnight, drawing their last two games against Cork City and Limerick. It hardly represents a crisis but Waterford will be keen to pick up any crumbs of comfort ahead of a game that could see them slip seven points behind their promotion rivals.

It may still be mid season but such is Derry’s growing dominance that victory on Saturday night would deliver a hefty blow to Waterford’s chase for top spot. Regardless of their circumstances, Henderson will be pushing his men to the limit in a game that should provide a master class in commitment.

Venue The Brandywell
Referee : R Rogers
paddypower.com odds: Derry City 4/5 Draw 9/4 Waterford United 3/1

Derry City
Injured:Not Available.
Doubtful:Not Available.
Suspended:None.

Waterford United
Injured:Alan Carey.
Doubtful:John Hayes, Kevin Murray, James O’Sullivan, Paul McCarthy.
Suspended:None.

Extratime Prediction: A 2-0 win for Derry