League Preview: Waterford -v- Bohemians

WATERFORD

Waterford will be looking to pick up their second win of the season tonight when they host table toppers Bohemians at the RSC (kick-off 7.45pm)

The opening game of the season saw them lose to Shamrock Rovers where they conceded the winner in the dying moments of the match to lose 2-1.

They were also beaten 3-2 by Derry City on Monday night but picked up a very impressive three points against last season’s runners up Cork City at Turner’s Cross.

Manager Alan Reynolds says the squad are looking forward to welcoming Keith Long and his side to the RSC and is hoping for another big home support.

“Bohs have started the season really well with three wins from their opening three matches and we’re expecting nothing less than a really tough game. Keith [Long] will have them well organised and they’re the in-form team but we’ll be out to stop that.

“Monday’s game in Derry was a tough one. Of course we were disappointed not to get anything from the match but I couldn’t fault the effort of the players. We’ve been back in training and we’ll prepare for what Friday’s game will bring. 

“It’s been a busy start to the season and it’s important to remember that it’s early days still, too. We’re very much a new team from last season and it’s going to take time for everybody to settle in, get used to each other and get more used to playing with each other.

“We’ve had massive crowds in the RSC in the first game and again in Turners Cross and more in Derry on Monday, so we know we’ll have another noisy RSC to push us forward and we’re all looking forward to it.”

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians travel to the RSC full of confidence following their 1-0 derby win at home to Shamrock Rovers on Monday night.

That result followed wins against promoted sides, Finn Harps and UCD, and leaves the Gypsies top of the table on nine points, two clear of St. Patricks Athletic and yet to concede a goal.

With debuts being handed out to no less than nine players and Dinny Corcoran starting the season with three goals in three games, Keith Long must be very satisfied with how the season has started.

Defender Paddy Kirk spoke during the week in the build up to the trip to Waterford and said that although they are delighted with their start, they are fully aware it is only three games into the season and nobody is getting carried away.

"Obviously there is always a bit of apprehension at the start of the season when you've so many new players as to how the team is going to settle.

"Keith asked for patience from supporters and they've been behind us in all three games but thankfully we've got off to a good start.

"We're only three games in though so we're realistic. Nobody is getting carried away. It's important to keep your feet on the ground and focus on the next game and no further."

Last season saw Waterford enjoy the upper hand over Bohs taking ten points from them  from a possible twelve so despite the perfect start, Kirk knows to expect a tough game.

"We've done our homework on them as we do all teams. We're going down in good form with three wins and three clean sheets. But they are a very good side.

"We've done well at the back so we want to continue to be solid there and build on that.

Referee: Robert Hennessy.

MATCH STATS

Bohs striker Dinny Corcoran leads the goal scoring table ahead of tonight’s fixtures enjoying three goals in the opening three league games.

Waterford had a decent home record at the RSC last season picking up twelve wins and two draws from a total of eighteen home games.

BETTING

Waterford 13/10; Draw 21/10; Bohemians 11/5.

PREDICTION 

Waterford 1-2 Bohemians

Waterford F.C

Injured: None

Doubtful: Kevin Lynch

Suspended: None

Bohemians

Injured: Michael Barker (hamstring), Promise Omochere (ankle), Cristian Magerusan (cruciate)

Doubtful: Kevin Devaney

Suspended: None.