League Preview: Cabinteely FC -v- Waterford FC

CABINTEELY FC

Cabinteely look to return to winning ways following a late defeat to Shelbourne and draw with UCD as they welcome table-topping Waterford to Stradbrook Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

Following a slow start to the season, Cabo have really found form in the league with impressive wins over Wexford, Longford Town and Cobh Ramblers.

 

And the midweek fixture saw them breeze past Athlone Town in a re-scheduled Leinster Senior Cup game that proved to be Ricardo Monsanto's last game in charge of Athlone.

 

Their performances haven't gone unnoticed as last night the club revealed they will host the New Zealand All Whites in a friendly on June 6th.

 

Cabo are likely to be without defender Victor Ekanem as he continues to recover from a groin injust sustained in the win over Cobh.



 

 

WATERFORD FC

Waterford maintained their position at the top of the First Division thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 win over Athlone Town last week.

 

Goalkeeper Matthew Connor saved a second-half penalty to ensure three points for the Blues and he will continue in the place of the injured Ian McLoughlin.



 

Jake Evans and Sander Puri are also ruled out for Alan Reynolds' side through injury, the latter set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines as he recovers from ankle surgery.

 

Tom Smith has a 50/50 chance of playing as he struggles with a minor knee problem, while Davy McDaid's return from suspension might be delayed by a thigh strain.

 

Winger Dean O'Halloran told the club's Facebook page: “Every game that we go into we’re hoping to win but we have to take every game on its merits. We’re just looking to put on a good show that will attract the fans down.

 

“I think that the fans are getting some good performances so hopefully they’ll be happy. The game will be tough against Cabinteely but we’ll be hoping to pick up another three points."

 

Referee: Damien McGraith.

 

 

MATCH STATS

The sides have met once already this season, with the Blues earning their first win of the season thanks to a 3-0 win at the RSC.

 

 

BETTING

Cabinteely 5/1; Draw 14/5; Waterford 8/15.

 

PREDICTION

Cabinteely 2 – 2 Waterford

 

 

Cabinteely

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Victor Ekanem.

Suspended: None.

 

Waterford

Injured: Sander Puri, Ian McLoughlin, Jake Evans.

Doubtful: Tom Smith, Davy McDaid.

Suspended: None

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