League Preview: Waterford United -v- Wexford Youths

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United finally saw some goals last Friday night in their 3-3 draw with Shelbourne a relief after two scoreless draws at the start of the season. Waterford were fortunate to draw with an own goal in the final minute deciding the fixture.

Speaking to waterford-united.ie, Waterford United manager Tommy Griffin feels they should be able to beat Wexford Youths.

“It’s not going to be easy - derby matches never are. If we can play with the intensity and commitment that we displayed in Tolka Park I feel Wexford Youths will find it difficult to withstand that type of pressure.”

The appearance of Paul Quilty and Conor Meade with half an hour left to go against Shelbourne last week sparked their comeback from two goals down.

Having drawn their first three games of the season, the Blues will hope to kick on against Wexford Youths for their first win of the season.

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Having lost two of their three games this season, Wexford Youths will hope to take some points home with them from The RSC on Friday night. Both teams shared the wins last year with 2 wins a piece. Wexford won both of the earlier games in the season a feat they will hope to repeat this season.

Danny Furlong was unlucky to have had a penalty and his follow up effort denied last Friday by Longford Town's goalkeeper Christopher Bennion. He will hope to have a luckier 101^st appearance and regain his goalscoring boots in Waterford on Friday.

Having lost 1-0 last week against a strong Longford side they are unlucky to be playing their second away game in a row against a hungry Waterford United side.

Referee: Keith Callanan.

MATCH STATS

So far this season Waterford United have Played 3, Drawn 3, Conceded 3, Scored 3 and are on 3 points.

Wexford Youths have the worst disciplinary record in the First Division with 10 yellow cards and 2 red cards.

Keith Callanan is making his first appearance as a referee this season, the last two times he refereed this fixture finished with an away win for Wexford Youths, 1-2 in August 2012 and 0-1 in May last year.

BETTING

Waterford United 8/13; Draw 12/5; Wexford Youths 9/2

PREDICTION

Waterford United 2 - 0 Wexford Youths

Waterford United

Injured: Shaun Corcoran (very doubtful – hip), Peter White (doubtful - ankle) and Shane Murray (doubtful - illness).

Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths

Injured: Craig Wall (groin), Graham Delaney (ankle), Nathan West (back).

Suspended: James Dermody.