Waterford United -v- SD Galway

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford have endured mixed fortunes in their start to the 2012 season. The Blues were humiliated by Wexford Youths on the opening day of the season, a 6-0 loss was a bit of a shock. But they valiantly bounced back to beat the odds on league favourites Limerick the following week. They now face another First Division minnow in the form of SD Galway. Twice Waterford have handed out thrashings to Salthill Devon (the previous guise of SD Galway), a 4-0 and 8-0 beating at the RSC.

Speaking about their win last week Blues manager Paul O’Brien said, “They all performed brilliantly out there tonight despite the injury problems that we had. 
 

"As a group we all knew we had questions to answer and points to prove, and to a man I feel the team answered them in spades. We knew that Limerick would come here with a plan and we had to match them in every department." 

But he is in no way underestimating his opponents on Friday night and he added that,” What we want now is back-to-back wins, we must turn our attention to the game against SD Galway here at the RSC."

Waterford will have to plan without the services of Adam McSherry and Gary Keane who are injured. Youngsters, Sean Maguire and Jack Doherty have both been called up to the Ireland Schools side while Darragh Walshe is doubtful with an ankle injury.  David Breen returns from injury, and John Frost from  suspension. 

GALWAY SD

While Wexford Youths may have hammered Galway in the opening game, they failed to do the same to Galway SD last week. Playing their first home game under their new moniker, the Westerners came back to snatch a valuable, and given the sides previous results, unlikely point against the South East side.

This will no doubt give them confidence, however they will need more than confidence if they are to get anything from the RSC. SD Galway failed to get a single shot on target in the first half in their last game and this kind of wastefulness will be punished severely.

Manager Tony Mannion will not have a full squad to pick from at the weekend as there are some injury worries that will be assessed. Kieran Foley is among the injured while Sean Gavin is suspended. Enda Curran, meanwhile, returns from suspension.

Referee: Keith Callanan.

MATCH STATS

Galway SD, under the guise of Salthill Devon have never beaten Waterford home or away in league action.

BETTING

Waterford United 4/11; Draw 3/1; SD Galway 13/2.

PREDICTION

The odds suggest a home win, I am inclined to agree, 3-0 to Waterford.

Waterford Injury News: Adam McSherry and Gary Keane. Darragh Walshe (doubt).

Waterford Suspension News: None.

SD Galway Injury News: Kieran Foley.

SD Galway Suspension News: Sean Gavin.