Preview: Drogheda United vs. Waterford United

Sports Mole previews Friday’s League of Ireland Premier clash between Drogheda United and Waterford United, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Drogheda United will attempt to end their 10-game winless league run when they welcome Waterford United to Weavers Park on Friday.

The hosts are languishing at the foot of the League of Ireland Premier Division table, while Waterford are currently sitting in third position.

Match preview
Having mustered 17 points from 24 matches, Drogheda face an almighty challenge to extend their four-season stay in the top flight.

Kevin Doherty’s side are currently five points adrift of the relegation playoff spot, while they are nine points away from safety altogether.

Drogheda have suffered seven defeats in their last 10 league matches (D3), including a 4-2 loss in their most recent top-flight outing against rivals Dundalk.

However, they managed to exact revenge in last Friday’s FAI Cup clash, with goals from James Bolger and Warren Davis proving enough to condemn Dundalk to a 2-1 defeat and secure Drogheda a spot in the third round.

After experiencing success in the cup, they will now turn their focus to Friday’s Premier Division fixture, with the hosts looking to claim their first league win since May 6.

Like their opponents, Waterford secured their spot in the third round of the FAI Cup despite being made to work hard by Inishowen Football League side Cockhill Celtic.

Keith Long’s charges fought back from a goal down to claim a narrow 2-1 win thanks to efforts from Gbemi Arubi and Ryan Burke.

Waterford will now turn their attention back to their league campaign, where they have collected 37 points from 24 matches to put themselves in European contention in their first top-flight season since 2021.

The newly-promoted side may be sitting in third spot and a European qualification place, but they are only three points clear of Shamrock Rovers, Galway United and Sligo Rovers.

With three teams hot on their tail, Waterford will be keen to embark on a consistent run of form, having seen their last six league games produce three wins and three defeats.

They have also lost three of their previous four road trips in the Premier Division, highlighting a key area for improvement if they are to hold onto a top-three spot.

Drogheda United League of Ireland Premier form:

Drogheda United form (all competitions):

Waterford United League of Ireland Premier form:

Waterford United form (all competitions):

The hosts are likely to be without the services of Jethren Barr, Aaron McNally, Gary Deegan, Zishim Bawa and Darragh Markey.

Bolger, who scored on his Drogheda debut in the FAI Cup, is expected to retain his place and make his first Premier Division appearance since arriving from Swedish club Bodens BK.

Davis could be rewarded with a starting berth after he came off the bench to score Drogheda’s second goal in the cup win over Dundalk.

As for Waterford, they are unable to call upon Christie Pattisson, Rowan McDonald, Kyle White and Barry Baggley, while goalkeeper Sam Sargeant is a doubt.

Darragh Leahy, Ben McCormack and Connor Parsons are all pushing for a recall after dropping out of the side for the win over Cockhill Celtic.

Padraig Amond is also set to return to the side, with the striker looking to add to the 11 league goals that he has scored this season.

Drogheda United possible starting lineup:
Dennison; Ahui, Bolger, Quinn, Keaney, Kane; Heeney, Farrell, Brennan, Davis; James-Taylor

Waterford United possible starting lineup:
Connor; Power, Radkowski, O’Keeffe, Leahy; McCormack, McCourt; Arubi, McMenamy, Parsons; Amond

We say: Drogheda United 1-1 Waterford United
Drogheda have failed to win any of their last 10 league games, but they are unbeaten in three home matches in all competitions, and we think that they will make full use of home advantage to take a point off a Waterford side who have struggled to find their best form in recent away matches.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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