Waterford v Finn Harps - Where can I watch it and what do I need to know?

The Premier Division returns to our television screens following another week of dramatic European action.

Finn Harps make one of the longest trips in Irish football as they tip the 400-odd kilometres down the road to the RSC in Waterford.

Ollie Horgan’s Harps have seen a healthy four-point buffer above the relegation place turn into a three-point deficit in the space of 14 days as UCD have picked up seven points.

Waterford aren’t entirely clear of trouble themselves as they’re now just seven points clear of the Students, albeit with two games in hand.

Alan Reynolds will want to increase that gap as soon as he can in order that his side don’t get sucked into a fight for the play-off spot, and a home game against the bottom side is the ideal opportunity.

What time is the match?

Kick-off is 8pm.

Where is the match?

The RSC, Waterford

Who is the referee?

Robert Hennessey is referee for the evening.

Are there tickets available?

Tickets can be bought at the stadium or online via Waterford.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be shown live in the Republic of Ireland on Eir Sport 1 with coverage beginning at 7.55pm.

Can I stream it online?

Eir broadband, landline and TV customers can avail of Eir Sport’s online streaming service here.

Who are they key players to watch?

For Waterford, much attention will inevitably fall on loan signing Michael O’Connor, who faces the club with whom he spent the first half of the 2018 season on loan.

The striker has had a nomadic career to date, despite being just 21, but Waterford should give him an opportunity to get a consistent run of games and force his way back into the Ireland under-21s.

Goals have been a problem for Harps this season and with top goalscorer Nathan Boyle having just four to his name, and suspended for this game, things don’t look like rapidly improving.

What Harps wouldn’t do for Mikey Place replicate the form that had him finish top scorer last year.

He scored two of his three league goals in the 3-2 league win at Finn Park in May - if he can add to that it will go a long way to alleviating Harps’ slump.

Team news:

Kevin Lynch, Zack Elbouzedi and Sam Bone are all injured while Rory Feely serves a one-match ban for the Blues, but Karolis Chvedukas returns from a ban and Rob Slevin from international duty.

For Harps, Nathan Boyle, Michael Gallagher and Ciaran Gallagher all miss out with injury, while Jacob Borg is a doubt.

Betting:

Waterford 4/6; Draw 11/4; Finn Harps 4/1.

Full list of SSE Airtricity League fixtures (all 7.45pm kick-off unless stated):

Waterford -v- Finn Harps (8pm)

Derry City -v- Sligo Rovers

Athlone Town -v- Shelbourne

Cabinteely -v- Longford Town

Limerick -v- Drogheda United

Galway United -v- Bray Wanderers