League Preview: Wexford -v- Waterford

WEXFORD

Wexford continue in search of their first league win of the season with the visit of table-topping Waterford in the third south-east derby of the season (kick-off 8pm).

Damian Locke's side's chances of registering that first win appear slim given the result last time the Blues came to town, when the visitors ran out 5-0 winners in the EA Sports Cup.

Wexford's form has improved since then, with two draws in their five league games since, and no more than two conceded in a game.

Goalscoring remains a serious issue, however, as Wexford boast the lowest scoring record in the country with just five goals from 11 games, four fewer than Longford Town.

Locke summarised the malaise in the aftermath of last week's 2-0 defeat to UCD, telling the club's website: "We had our chances but we failed to take them. We all know we need to be more ruthless.”

He added: "Everything to date goes out of the window for the derby game. We know we have nothing to lose, all of the pressure is on Waterford, and there would be no better game to get our first win.”

Defender Craig McCabe returns from suspension but Craig Wall misses out again with a shoulder problem, while Sean Hurley should be fit after limping off in UCD.

WATERFORD

The Blues took advantage of Cobh Ramblers' slip-up in Athlone last week to return to the summit with a close 1-0 victory over Shelbourne at the RSC.

Alan Reynolds' side comfortably beat Wexford on their last visit, in the EA Sports Cup, as braces from Davy McDaid and Owen Wall helped them to a 5-0 win.

The Blues' league form has been somewhat less emphatic, however, as they've drawn four of their 11 games so far and scored fewer than direct rivals UCD and Cobh.

Winger Kenny McEvoy, who was man of the match against Shels, has noted the need for improvement.

“We’ve showed glimpses of nice bits of play in recent games but last week the chances that we created weren’t as clear cut,” he told the club's official website.

“I think though that we got stuck in. We made it difficult for them and they made it difficult for us, which resulted in a tough game but we got the result we wanted.

“We are now looking forward to another game against Wexford. It’s always a sticky one when a team hasn’t won a game in the League all season so it makes their manager and their players hungrier to get that win but we’ve got to make sure that it’s not against us.

“It’s a Derby game as well. From that point of view, it makes the game all that more exciting and it will be a game that will be on the edge. It will give us all that little bit more fight and it makes us want to win the game more.

“It’s all about us exciting the fans. Hopefully we'll have a strong travelling support and can secure another win.”

Reynolds has an extensive injury as Kenny Browne, Sander Puri, Ian McLoughlin and Dean O'Halloran are all missing, while Gary Delaney and Patrick McClean are also unlikely to make it.

Referee: Tom Dempsey

MATCH STATS

The sides have met twice so far this season, with the Blues winning the opening fixture at the RSC 2-0 with a brace from Mark O'Sullivan.

Davy McDaid and Owen Wall each grabbed a brace as Waterford won 5-0 in the EA Sports Cup at Ferrycarrig Park at the beginning of April.

BETTING

Wexford 13/2; Draw 10/3; Waterford 2/5.

PREDICTION

Wexford 1 – 2 Waterford

Wexford

Injured: Craig Wall (shoulder).

Doubtful: Sean Hurley (leg).

Suspended: None.

Waterford

Injured: Kenny Browne, Ian McLoughlin, Dean O'Halloran, Sander Puri.

Doubtful: Gary Delaney, Patrick McClean.

Suspended: None.