League Preview: Waterford -v- Cobh Ramblers

WATERFORD

Waterford welcome Cobh Ramblers to the RSC in a vital the top-of-the-table clash in the First Division (kick-off 7.45pm).

Waterford come into this game following a very hard fought win over Longford Town at the City Calling Stadium last time out. New signing Paul Keegan got the winner with a slightly fortuitous goal following a mistake from Longford goalkeeper Paul Skinner.

This is a clash between first and second in the league table and Waterford have had the upper hand in these games so far this season, taking four points from a possible six. The Blues won the first game 2-0 at the RSC and a 0-0 stalemate followed in St. Colman's Park.

Sander Puri will not take part in this game due to injury and is continuing his return to full fitness. It is expected that he will make his return in the coming weeks.

Speaking ahead of his first home game to the club's official website, new signing Paul Keegan said that was anticipating a very tough game between the two sides who are pushing for promotion.

“It will be a tough game as Cobh are a very good side. We’ve all got to make sure that we look after ourselves and push forward.”

As well as this, manager Alan Reynolds spoke about the importance of the game and is leaning towards a very attack based focus from his side as they seek to strike a blow to Cobhs promotion challenge.

“The game against Cobh Ramblers Friday night is a big one and we’ll be going for the jugular.

“We have beaten them at home and we drew with them down in Cobh. They are a good side and they are hanging in there but they’ll be boasted by the win that they got [v UCD].”

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh travel to the RSC seeking to close Waterford's lead at the top of the First Division to just the three points and to try and stay in the hunt for promotion to the Premier Division.

The Rams gained a much needed 1-0 win over other promotion chasing side UCD at St Colman's Park with a Darren Murphy winner in the 71st minute. The win put them 3 points ahead of College and kept the gap between themselves and Waterford at 6 points.

Speaking to cobhramblers.ie after the UCD game, manager Stephen Henderson praised the character of his players in the face of an ever increasing injury crisis.

“The UCD win was based on an incredible squad ethos that has developed over the last few seasons.

“The players showed a determination that typifies the Ramblers mentality of never giving up even when the odds are stacked against us, especially with the amount of injuries and suspensions we had to contend with for this game.”

This issue is not about to go away either with Cobh listing as many as 10 players as either injured or doubtful with Henderson saying that his side are down to its very bare bones after speaking with cobhramblers.ie

“Unfortunately, we have picked up more injuries and are literally down to the bare bones for this huge game which is really unfortunate.

“With his side's injury nightmares getting worse by the day, Henderson has spared no expense as he tries to protect his players as they go into a crucial juncture of the season.

“We have organised our own doctor to travel with us on Friday just to see what kind of an 11 we can put on the pitch without putting players at further risk.”

To further add onto misery midfielder Stephen Christopher is still serving a suspension following his dismissal in their 2-1 defeat away to Cabinteely.

Referee: Damien McGrath

MATCH STATS

Waterford are unbeaten in all three clashes between the clubs this season which has included a 2-0 victory for the Blues over Cobh in the EA Sports Cup.

This Munster Derby has been a mainstay of the First Divisions calendar since Cobh Ramblers return to the LOI in 2013, with 18 league games between the pair.

Remarkably, these 18 games have ended up in 6 wins apiece and 6 draws between the pair.

BETTING

Waterford 4/7 Draw 14/5 Cobh Ramblers 9/2.

PREDICTION

Waterford 2-1 Cobh Ramblers

Waterford

Injured: Sander Puri

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Jason Abbott, Charlie Fleming, Dean Swords, Kyle McNamara, Cian Coleman, Karl Caulfield, Kaka McCarthy, Ian Mylod, Anthony O’ Donnell.

Suspended: Stephen Christopher.