League Preview: Waterford -v- Shelbourne

WATERFORD 

Waterford will look to continue their march to the SSE Airtricity League First Division title at home to sixth placed Shelbourne at the RSC (kIck-off 7.45pm)

In doing so, they will look to banish the memories of the incredibly disappointing 3-0 home defeat to the Reds in the FAI Cup first round clash at the RSC.

Shels keeper Dean Delany saved a crucial penalty before the Dublin side went on to put the tie beyond all doubt with a comprehensive three goal win.

On the team news front, the Blues will be without Patrick McClean and Derek Daly due to the pair having to deal with injuries. On top of this, Kenny Browne is a doubt as he has come down with the flu.

Waterford’s task will not be made any easier as they must deal without the services of on loan Dundalk defender Paddy Barrett and Dean O'Halloran who are serving bans for picking up an accumulation of yellow cards in the previous few games.

Speaking ahead of the game with waterfordfc.ie, defender Kenny Browne has spoken about the importance of the game in the context of their season and is well aware of the challenge awaiting his teammates.

“It’s a big game and obviously we owe them one after they beat us 3-0 in the cup a couple of weeks ago.

“Anytime that we have played them in the league this season they have been tight games and we have drawn with them twice up in Tolka Park. We’re expecting a tough game and we’re under no illusions that we need the three points.

“The league is far from over as far as we’re concerned so it’s just all about winning Friday. In fairness to Cobh, they got a great result against Shelbourne up there two weeks ago so they are hanging in there and are pushing us all the way.

“It’s all about the three points so if we win Friday it will push us really close to the title then so it’s a matter of getting out there now and getting the three points. We played well against UCD and could have been two or three goals up but then we sat back.

Browne also said that he is expecting a different challenge to the UCD game last week at the RSC.

“UCD are a good side but that was a massive win for us. I think it will be a different game against Shelbourne because they are a different side to UCD and play a different way. It’s a massive game on Friday and we need the support again.”

Finally, making reference to the bumper weekend in store for Waterford sport, Browne is keen to get the three points in the build up to the All-Ireland Hurling Final in Croke Park on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s a big weekend for Waterford sport and it would be ideal if we could get the three points in front of our home fans before the big hurling game on Sunday. We know it’s going to be tough and we’ll have to be at our very best.”

Shelbourne

Shelbourne will be hoping to show that their shock three-nil victory was no fluke as they look to push up the First Division table from their position of 6th.

Speaking ahead of the game with the clubs official media team,Shels boss Owen Heary has spoken about the importance of not finishing the season off with a whimper.

“We don’t want to finish on a whimper, we want to finish strong in the league and in order to do that we have to win more games. We’ve had a problem winning games at home, but we’ve probably got the best away record in the division. It’s something that we have to change, we need to start winning games in Tolka and get that confidence back that we’ve had over the last couple of years.”

He also has said that he is hoping that his players will be able to put on a show as his playing squad are seeking new contracts.

As far as the remainder of the season goes, the players are obviously looking to play for a contract next year, we have some good players here, we have some younger players who will get more game time, because we need to try to develop them and get them ready for next season”.

In terms of team news, Reece McEnteer has been ruled until the end of the season with an injury while fellow injured teammate Aaron Ashe is also confirmed as unavailable but should be back in contention in the next week or two.

However, it has been confirmed that Adam O'Connor will not play any part for the rest of the season as the defender is currently dealing with some personal issues.

Referee:Tomas Connolly

MATCH STATS

Waterford are unbeaten in their previous seven league games and currently lie seven points ahead of closest challengers Cobh Ramblers with four games to go.

Shelbourne’s last league victory came away to Longford Town in a 3-1 victory for the Drumcondra based outfit.

League games between the pair have been tight affairs with only the one goal separating the two sides in their clashes so far this season.

Recent Form

• Waterford: WLDWW

• Shelbourne: LLWDW

Were results to go Waterford’s way, they could end up being champions by as early as next week with the league leaders on needing six more points to guarantee the title.

BETTING

Waterford 4/7; Draw 13/5; Shelbourne 5/1

PREDICTION

Waterford 2-1 Shelbourne

Waterford

Injured:Patrick McClean, Derek Daly

Doubtful: Kenny Browne

Suspended: Paddy Barrett, Dean O'Halloran

Shelbourne

Injured: Adam O'Connor, Aaron Ashe, Reece McEnteer

Doubtful:None

Suspended:None