Drogheda United vs. Waterford United: Desperate Hosts Seek First League Win in 11 Matches
Drogheda United vs. Waterford United Preview
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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, eyeing European qualification.
Match Preview
Having mustered only 17 points from 24 matches, Drogheda United face a monumental 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 and nine points away from safety altogether.
Drogheda’s form has been dismal, with 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 some revenge in last Friday’s FAI Cup clash, with goals from James Bolger and Warren Davis securing a 2-1 victory over Dundalk and a spot in the third round.
After this cup success, Drogheda will now turn their focus to Friday’s Premier Division fixture, seeking their first league win since May 6.
Waterford United also advanced to the third round of the FAI Cup, having to fight back from a goal down to claim a narrow 2-1 win over Inishowen Football League side Cockhill Celtic, thanks to efforts from Gbemi Arubi and Ryan Burke.
In their league campaign, Waterford have collected 37 points from 24 matches, putting them in European contention in their first top-flight season since 2021. Despite their third-place standing, they are only three points clear of Shamrock Rovers, Galway United, and Sligo Rovers. With three teams hot on their tail, Waterford will aim for consistency, having seen their last six league games produce three wins and three defeats.
Their away form is a concern, having lost three of their previous four road trips in the Premier Division, an area they need to improve if they are to maintain their top-three spot.
Drogheda United League of Ireland Premier Form:
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Drogheda United Form (all competitions):
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Waterford United League of Ireland Premier Form:
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Waterford United Form (all competitions):
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Team News
The hosts are likely to be without Jethren Barr, Aaron McNally, Gary Deegan, Zishim Bawa, and Darragh Markey. James 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. Warren Davis could be rewarded with a starting berth after coming off the bench to score in the cup win over Dundalk.
For Waterford, Christie Pattisson, Rowan McDonald, Kyle White, and Barry Baggley are unavailable, while goalkeeper Sam Sargeant is a doubt. Darragh Leahy, Ben McCormack, and Connor Parsons are all pushing for a recall after being rested in the win over Cockhill Celtic. Striker Padraig Amond is also set to return, looking to add to his tally of 11 league goals 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
Prediction
Drogheda United will be desperate to secure a victory to keep their survival hopes alive, while Waterford United will aim to solidify their European aspirations. Expect a tightly contested match, with both teams fighting hard for crucial points.
