- Rory Morrow
- Thu, Mar 07 2024
DERRY CITY
In a meeting of second and third, Derry City host newly promoted Waterford at the Brandywell as both sides seek to maintain their positive start to the season.
The Candystripes are unbeaten across their opening four games, having obtained maximum points so far at home while collecting draws away against Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers, respectively.
Injury time drama has proven both Derry’s friend and foe in the past week. Last Friday, on his birthday, striker Danny Mullen came on as a substitute against St Patrick’s Athletic to net a stunning late winner at home.
Then on Monday, leading late on at Tallaght, Derry conceded a last-gasp equaliser to the Hoops as Markus Poom’s header denied Derry successive wins. Having lost another midfielder Will Patching to injury in the warmup, how Derry City’s midfield realigns will be interesting to see.
That plus the late concessions are setbacks they’ll aim to bounce back from. Mullen again impacted the match as a scoring substitute whilst marquee signing Pat Hoban has hit the ground running, netting three goals in his first four games.
The visit of Waterford sees a familiar face return to the Brandywell, with former Derry City assistant manager Alan Reynolds back in the Derry dugout but the away one as assistant to Waterford boss Keith Long.
Commenting on Reynolds’ potential influence on the game’s outcome, home manager Ruaidhri Higgins told Derry City’s website: “He clearly knows a lot about us so I’m sure that will be something Waterford will draw on.
“To be honest it’s the players on the pitch who will have by far the biggest influence. They will ultimately determine how the game pans out.”
WATERFORD
The Blues travel to the Brandywell having only lost one of their opening four matches on their return to the top tier. And that they bounced back from defeat at Galway United with an impressive response in last Monday’s home demolition of St Pat’s.
Like Derry, Waterford can also count upon a star striker signing with Padraig Amond leading the goal scorer charts early on with four strikes in as many matches. Two of those came against the Athletic as Amond, alongside wingers Connor Parsons and Maleace Asamoah, caused countless problems going forward.
Despite losing at Eamonn Deacy Park, Waterford travelled tremendously for their first away game, a thumping of Drogheda United at Weavers Park. Having scored in every league game so far this season, Derry’s defence will have to be on their toes throughout.
Referee: Paul Norton.
MATCH STATS
Three forwards, Hoban, Mullen and Amond, come into this fixture having each scored two goals in their last two games.
None of Derry City’s first halves so far this season have seen them score or concede a goal.
If Waterford win and Shelbourne lose away at Bohemians, the Blues could potentially end the evening top of the table.
BETTING
Derry City 1.4; Draw: 3.9; Waterford 6.0.
PREDICTION
Derry City 3-2 Waterford.
Derry City
Injured: Will Patching, Cameron Dummigan, Sadou Diallo, Ciaron Harkin, Colm Whelan.
Doubtful: Patrick McEleney.
Suspended: None.
Waterford
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Connor Evans.
Suspended: None.
