League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Waterford

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, Jul 30 2021




DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United and Waterford return to league action on Friday evening at Head in the Game Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Drogheda faced Derry last time out, and were knocked out of the cup in controversial fashion at the expense of the Candystripes.  

Dane Massey and James Brown were both sent off for the Boynesiders who were eventually undone on penalties by Ruaidhri Higgins’ side.

But coming into tonight’s game, Drogheda are unbeaten against Waterford, winning 1-0 on the opening day.

They won the other game 7-0 at the RSC, although, that was against a Covid-19 ravaged Blues side who were forced to play their under-19s.

In terms of team news ahead of the game, James Brown and Dane Massey are suspended. Chris Lyons misses out through injury.

WATERFORD

After last weekend’s heroic penalty shootout win over Athlone Town in the FAI Cup, Waterford take on Drogheda in the league tonight.

Marc Bircham’s side picked themselves up after the shock of Glen McAuley’s equaliser late on to win on penalties.

“We’re happy to get through to the next round [of the FAI Cup],” Bircham said.

“It was a crazy game with some decisions we weren’t happy about, but we move on and look forward.

“From going a man down and going behind, we showed great character to win out in the end and we’ll think about the next round when it comes around in a few weeks.

“Our league form has been good, so we want to keep that going on Friday. Drogheda are having a good season so we know they can cause us problems.

“It was a tight game at the start of the season before I was here, but we know we can compete against any team on their day.”

Prince Mutswunguma and Niall O’Keeffe return from suspension for Waterford. Eddie Nolan, Matthew Connor and Kyle Ferguson are doubts.

The trio of Brian Murphy, Daryl Murphy and Oscar Brennan all miss out.

Referee: David Dunne.

 

BETTING

Drogheda United 3/4; Draw 23/10; Waterford 17/5.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1 - 0 Waterford

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Chris Lyons.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Dane Massey, James Brown.

 

Waterford

Injured: Oscar Brennan, Brian Murphy, Daryl Murphy.

Doubtful: Eddie Nolan, Kyle Ferguson, Matthew Connor.

Suspended: None.