Verdict: Derry City win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two sides who find themselves scrapping it out at opposite ends of the Premier Division table, Derry will welcome Waterford to the Brandywell Stadium.
Derry City
Starting with the hosts, while Derry might have been left frustrated last season as they had to settle for a bottom-half finish among Ireland’s elite, the Candystripes have come roaring back in some style. Last seen putting in a dominant display as they secured a routine 3-0 victory against Drogheda, Tiernan Lynch’s men open Friday’s fixtures sat in silver medal finish and in pole position to book a lucrative European ticket in 2025. Looking to extend on their recent purple patch here, Derry have won all of their previous three straight Premier Division appearances by an aggregate score of 5-0. Pencilled in as a standout contender this weekend, Lynch’s camp have found some real defensive steel. Including consecutive 1-0 wins against St. Patrick’s and Shelbourne last month, the Candystripes have not conceded a single strike in 350 minutes of action.
Derry City Team News
Yet to make a single appearance so far this season, former Dundalk defender Cameron Dummigan remains on the sidelines with a long-term hamstring injury. Likewise, missing each of Derry’s last three outings, Ben Doherty remains a major doubt.
Both getting on the scoresheet during Derry’s 3-0 victory against Drogheda last week, Sam Todd and Ronan Boyce will partner each other at the heart of Lynch’s defence. Arriving from Scottish outfit Hearts ahead of the 2025 campaign, Northern Ireland international Liam Boyce will lead the line.
Waterford
As for the visitors, while Waterford might have sprung an upset last month as they snatched a 2-1 victory at home against Bohemians, it appears that might have just been a minor boost for the Blues. Last seen falling to a 1-0 defeat against runaway leaders Shamrock, John Coleman’s men are looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap. Despite getting May underway in the midst of a real flurry, Friday’s guests have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Including another 1-0 loss against Sligo Rovers, Waterford have put just a single point on the board from any of their previous seven Premier Division appearances. Likewise, hit with consecutive 1-0 defeats on the road, Coleman’s side should be bracing themselves for a stern examination here.
Waterford Team News
Shown what was a costly second-half booking against Shamrock last weekend, former Cheltenham defender Grant Horton will miss out through suspension on Friday night. Not featuring since the middle of May, Polish youth international Kacper Radkowski remains a doubt here.
Making a first appearance since the end of April last week, one-time Arsenal youngster Trae Coyle should get some more minutes under his belt. Notching eight Premier Division strikes so far this season, Padraig Amond will lead the line.
Derry City vs Waterford Key Factors to Consider
- When Derry City and Waterford last met on April 25th, Friday’s guests collected a 2-1 victory on home soil.
- However, Waterford have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous seven Premier Division appearances.
- Derry City have won their previous three consecutive Premier Division appearances by an aggregate score of 5-0.
- The Candystripes have not conceded a single Premier Division strike in 350 minutes of action.
- Derry haven’t conceded a single strike on more than one occasion since the end of April.
Conclusion
Storming their way to a routine 3-0 victory against Drogheda last weekend, Derry will certainly be seeking a repeat performance here. Enjoying what has become a real purple patch, Friday’s hosts have won their previous three consecutive Premier Division appearances and the currently find themselves sat in silver medal position. Not conceding a single strike in 350 minutes of action, Derry will also be seeking some immediate revenge. Despite falling to a 2-1 defeat when they last met Waterford on April 25th, we are backing a home victory this weekend.
Verdict: Derry City win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Luckster
