League Preview: Waterford -v- Derry City

• Brendan Graham
• Fri, Mar 06 2020




WATERFORD

Waterford welcome Derry City to the RSC this evening (kick-off 7.45pm) well rested having not had a league game since March 24^th.

It has been a bit of a stuttering start for Alan Reynold’s and his side after a perfect start on the opening night taking all three points from their visit to play St. Pats.

Since then they have suffered back to back defeats at the hands of Bohs and Shamrock Rovers and also the wrath of Storm Jorge with last weekend’s trip to Sligo postponed amid safety concerns.

Their three points to date has them sitting close to the relegation zone on three points, level with Cork City but ahead of them in the table with a superior goal difference.

With such an extended break since their last competitive match, the Blues will be raring to go as they look to finally get their season up and running.

A positive for fans in their games to date has been the solid performances of goalkeeper Brian Murphy since his return. Despite losing their last two league games, Murphy’s performances in both games has been hugely encouraging with the vastly experienced player showing up well.

Speaking ahead of the game manager Alan Reynolds said that he is satisfied with how training has gone this week and that his side are raring to go again following their extended break.

“Obviously we were disappointed to see our game last weekend cancelled but it is what it is. After a disappointing result against Shamrock Rovers the week before, the boys were all looking forward to getting going again and bringing that winning feeling back into the dressing room.

“With that said, we’ve just focused on this Friday after that cancellation and we’ve had a good week on the training pitch. We’re very much still a work in progress so some patience is needed, but we can see the progress that we can hopefully bring to the pitch on Friday night.

“Declan will have his side set up really well coming down. They had a good win last Friday night up in The Brandywell against Bohemians and scored two well-worked goals in a big win for them. It’ll have them on a wave of confidence but it’s been a fairly even contest between both clubs since we came back up so we’ll be well up for it.”

Andre Burley is the only one to miss out following his sending off against Shamrock Rovers

 

DERRY CITY

Derry City have had a mixed start to the season as they sit in mid table ahead of their long journey to Waterford this evening.

Following an opening day defeat to reigning champions Dundalk, they have responded well since with a battling draw in a tough game against Finn Harps and a very impressive win last week against a strong Bohemians side who pipped them to third place on the last day of the season last year.

Their one away trip to date this season was their opening day loss to Dundalk with their only other away trip ahead of tonight’s trip to Waterford being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch last week in Inchicore.

Last week’s home defeat of Bohemians will give them great confidence as they travel to Waterford as they look to continue their recent good form against Alan Reynold’s side. Speaking ahead of the game manager Declan Devine is expecting a tough game as always and knows any points they pick up will be hard earned.

“Alan Reynolds certainly knows what he’s doing and Waterford have recruited really well ahead of the new season, including a couple of players we had been looking at ourselves.

“Brian Murphy is one of the best keepers in the league and gives them a very solid look at the back, so we know it will be a difficult night.

“I keep saying though that we have a really good squad ourselves.

“The boys were impressive against Bohs and we’ll be looking for more of the same on Friday.

In terms of team news, Ciaran Coll misses out again with Gerardo Bruna possibly in contention with a decision expected closer to kick-off.

Referee: Sean Grant

 

MATCH STATS

Last season’s five games between the sides saw Derry City with the upper hand picking up two wins, two draws and a win after extra time in the League Cup semi-final.

Stephen Mallon, Adam Liddle and Walter Figueira all have one goal each for Derry City in the league this season.

Kevin O’Connor has scored Waterford’s only league goal in three league games ahead of tonight’s game.

 

BETTING

Waterford 13/5; Draw 11/5 ; Derry City 10/11

PREDICTION

Waterford 1-2 Derry City

 

Waterford

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Andre Burley

 

Derry City

Injured: Ciaran Coll

Doubtful: Gerardo Bruna

Suspended: None