Waterford United are set to host relegation-threatened Drogheda United at the Waterford Regional Sports Centre on Friday evening for matchday 33 of the 2024 League of Ireland Premier Division season.
The hosts currently sit seventh in the table, 11 points clear of the drop zone, while the visitors occupy the relegation playoff spot, four points behind eighth-placed Bohemians.
Match preview
© Imago
Waterford's first season back in the top division since their 2021 relegation has been largely successful, as they find themselves 11 points clear of the drop zone with only 12 points remaining up for grabs.
While Keith Long, who has been in charge since March 2023, will be delighted that his side could confirm their place in the League of Ireland Premier Division for next season with at least a point on Friday, he will be disappointed with his team's performances in recent weeks.
A run of just two wins in their last nine league outings has seen Waterford drop from third in the league to seventh, leaving them seven points adrift of the top four.
Long's men suffered a 2-0 defeat to Drogheda during that run, a result that they will be desperate to improve on as they aim to enact revenge and secure their place in the league.
However, the visitors are sure to pose a challenging test for Waterford, with Kevin Doherty's team entering into this match as one of the most in-form teams in the division.
After enduring a winless streak of 10 matches from May to July, consisting of seven losses and three draws, Drogheda have since lost just one of their following 14 matches across all competitions.
That run includes four wins and three draws from eight league fixtures, while they have also booked their place in the FAI Cup final against Derry City in November having beaten Wexford FC in the semi-finals.
Drogheda now trail eighth-placed Bohemians by just four points, though the Bohs hold a game in hand, and they will be aiming to maintain their impressive form heading into the closing stages of the season in an attempt to secure a fourth consecutive year in the top division.
Team News
Waterford are expected to be without Kacper Skwierczynski and Kyle White for this match, although both players may be in contention to return before the end of the season.
Elsewhere, Long could opt to name a similar side to the one that was narrowly beaten 2-1 by Galway United in their last outing, with top scorer Padraig Amond leading the line.
As for the visitors, Jethren Barr and Matthew O'Brien and not expected to feature due to injury issues, while Steve Bawa is ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ankle injury.
Drogheda's phenomenal run of results across all competitions in recent outings, including a 2-1 victory against third-placed Derry City in their last league game, could mean Doherty names a similar side here.
Waterford United possible starting lineup:
Sargeant; Power, Horton, Leahy, Radkowski, Burke; McMenamy, McDonald, Baggley; Bellis, Amond
Drogheda United possible starting lineup:
Dennison; Quinn, Webster, Bolger; Ahui, Brennan, Farrell, Kane; Markey; James-Taylor, Pierrot
We say: Waterford United 0-1 Drogheda United
The hosts have endured a terrible run of results heading into this game, while the visitors are one of the most in-form teams in the league, leading us to believe the visitors will take all three points here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
