League Preview: Wexford -v- Waterford

WEXFORD

Wexford welcome local rivals Waterford to Ferrycarrig Park on a weekend that could see the table toppers, Waterford, clinch the First Division title (kick-off 8pm).

 

Wexford head into the derby after suffering a one-goal defeat to 3rd placed UCD at the UCD Bowl in the capital. A Rob Manley finish was the difference between the sides in what was a tight encounter between the pair.

 

Seventh-placed Wexford will be boosted by the news that their two-week absence from competitive football has yielded the return to full fitness of midfield trio Thomas Croke, Shane Dunne, Aaron O’Connor and Adam O’Rourke.

 

However, since their last game, the defensive duo of Andrew O’Connor and Conor Dunne have departed the club and Mark Slater will sit the game out as he is serving a suspension after picking up five yellow cards.

 

Speaking to the club's official website, club captain Craig McCabe said that he is relishing the prospect of going into the game as rank outsiders



 

"There's absolutely no pressure on us,” he said.

 

“Waterford will come here expecting to win, as will the rest of the country expect them to. But we have some talented players here, and we will be looking to put it up to them.

 

“As always, there's a great buzz and togetherness around the changing room. We'll all have to work exceptionally hard to get something from the game, but there's no question in my mind that we can."



 

WATERFORD

Waterford will look to put the First Division title to bed with victory over local rivals Wexford and hope that Cobh Ramblers slip up at home to Cabinteely.

 

The Blues have come out on top on all four previous clashes this season between the pair.

 

Waterford go into this game with both Shane O’Connor and Derek Daly being rated as “50/50” to feature. The duo will undergo late fitness tests ahead of the game.

 

Speaking with his club’s official media team, Waterford shot-stopper Matthew Connor has said that he is anticipating a very tough and physical at their neighbours ground.

 

“I think that every team in the division is putting up their game another 50-60% when they play us and this will be no different with Wexford in a derby game,” Connor said.

 

“Some games our backs have been to the wall because teams are doing their best to stop us to where we want to go.

“We need to be strong enough to go and get what we want. We know that it’s really there for us if we win the game on Friday and that’s what we’ll be looking to do.

 

“We go into the game with great confidence and hopefully we can get the job done not just for ourselves but the fans as well.”

 

Defender Conor Whittle pointed to last week’s win over Bray Wanderers as a major confidence boost for the team.

 

“We have been finding it hard in recent games to score goals and it was good to get the goals in Bray because it’s a great boost for the team. We’ve shown what we can do but we need to bring that to the table in Wexford.”

 

He added that he would like to wrap up the title as soon as possible.

 

“It’s dragging out for us now and we just want to get the job done but we won’t do that unless we are focused on our performance. Winning this game would be a major boost for us.”

 

 

Referee: Eoghan O Shea

 

 

MATCH STATS

Waterford’s largest win over their south-east counterparts this season was a 5-0 hammering which came at Ferrycarrig Park in the EA Sports Cup.

 

Wexford’s Recent Form- LWLDL

Waterford’s Recent Form- DWLDW

 

This game has seen a plethora of goals being scored with 11 goals being scored in the 4 games between the pair which is just under 3 goals per game.

 

 

BETTING

Wexford 7/1; Draw 16/5;

 

PREDICTION

Wexford 1-2 Waterford

 

Wexford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Mark Slater.

 

Waterford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Derek Daly, Shane O’Connor.

Suspended: None.

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