League Preview: Waterford -v- Bohemians

WATERFORD

After two games on the road, a scoreless draw against Bray Wanderers and last week’s 3-2 win over Sligo Rovers, the Blues return to the RSC to face Bohemians on Friday night (kick-off 7:45pm).

Waterford have taken narrow wins in the two previous meetings between the sides this season.

Sander Puri scored the winner in the RSC while Courtney Duffus netted the goal to grab the side all three points in Dalymount Park.

Alan Reynolds' side are currently in third place in the Premier Division, seven points ahead of Shamrock Rovers, and he’ll look to keep that firm grip on third when Bohemians visit.

He said: “Last Saturday was just the result we needed after the break. The players got a few days off so it was great to pick up three points in our first match back.

“We started well to lead 2-0 but let Sligo back into it. But we kept going and got the win that sets us up nicely.

“We’re looking forward to Friday, it’s been a few games since we were at home so that’ll be good to get back to and get a good crowd behind us again.

“We’ve had two tight games against Bohs this season and we’ll expect the same from Keith [Long] and his team.

“We’re in a good position but we need to keep moving the club on. We’ve played 26 league games so have just 12 league games and the cup still to play.

“The lads are focused and ready for the challenge of keeping our season going well.”

Garry Comerford remains sidelined with a foot injury while John Martin misses the match after picking up an injury during the game against Sligo Rovers.

Gavan Holohan is still recovering from a shoulder injury and Paul Keegan is a doubt with a calf problem.

Noel Hunt, Noe Baba, Dessie Hutchinson and Carlos ‘Rudy’ Wilson are all awaiting international clearance.

BOHEMIANS

Keith Long’s men had gone six games without a win going into last Friday night’s meeting with St Patrick’s Athletic at Dalymount Park.

The Gypsies had been outplayed for much of the game until Kevin Devaney struck a sensational goal to separate the teams and give the home side the victory.

Bohemians are currently sitting in seventh place in the Premier Division and they’re still involved in this season’s relegation battle, lying just three points ahead of Limerick.

The Gypsies have already lost to Waterford twice this season and with Dylan Watts’ loan deal ending last week and, with the Blues strengthening after bringing in several players, Long is under no illusions as to the challenge that awaits.

“Dylan is a big loss for us, there’s no shying away from that,” Long told the club's official website.

“He’s been an exciting player to watch and we’ll miss him But we’ll be working hard to strengthen in areas if we can.

“Waterford have already strengthened again this month, bringing in players with a good pedigree.

“They’ve good resources behind them – resources we’d be envious of. I don’t say that begrudgingly.

“It’s good for the league to have a strong Waterford team but it makes the challenge for us even greater.

“They’re in a good position in the league and have proved difficult opposition for any team this season.

“But we have shown on our day that we are a match for anyone. But our day has to come more often than it has done.

“We’re going down buoyed by winning a Dublin derby though and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Ryan Swan remains sidelined with a cruciate injury and Dinny Corcoran is a doubt with a groin issue.

Keith Buckley returns from illness however and will be available for selection as Bohemians aim to take their first points off Waterford this season.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer

MATCH STATS

Waterford have won both of the previous meetings between the sides this season.

The Blues’ Courtney Duffus has the most Premier Division goals of any player involved in Friday night’s game. He’s the fifth highest scorer so far with ten to his name.

Bohemians have won just three games on the road this season, while Waterford have won nine of their 11 home games at the RSC.

BETTING

Waterford 11/12; Draw 5/2; Bohemians 37/10.

PREDICTION

Waterford 1-0 Bohemians

Waterford

Injured: Garry Comerford, John Martin, Gavan Holohan.

Doubtful: Paul Keegan.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Ryan Swan.

Doubtful: Dinny Corcoran.

Suspended: None.