Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides who find themselves scrapping it out at the foot of the Premier Division table, Waterford will welcome Cork City to town on Friday night.

Waterford

Starting with the hosts, while Waterford might open Friday’s showdown holding a seven-point buffer from slipping into the relegation play-off spot, John Coleman’s men are in the midst of what has been a real struggle. Still firmly looking over their shoulder, the Blues have mustered just a sole win from any of their previous eight consecutive Premier Division appearances – a run that stems back to May 9th. Last seen putting in what was a woeful display as they slumped to a 7-2 drumming away at Derry City, the former Accrington Stanley boss will know the importance of finding some kind of defensive steel. Crashing back down to earth since their May flurry, Coleman’s camp have shipped 42 goals in their 23 Premier Division appearances so far this season and they hold the worst defensive tally among Ireland’s elite.

Waterford Team News

Yet to make a single Premier Division appearance this season, one-time Dundee United striker Matthew Smith remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee issue. However, making another cameo appearance of the bench last week, ex-Arsenal youngster Trae Coyle could make a first start since the middle of April.

Suffering that infamous 7-2 drumming away at Derry City last week, Coleman will be tempted to make a handful of alterations here. Bagging a pair of consolation strikes last week and now notching 10 Premier Division strikes, veteran striker Padraig Amond will play a leading role in the final third.

Cork City

As for the visitors, while Cork City might have made their Premier Division return this season, it is no surprise that the Rebel Army are expected to limp their way back to Ireland’s second-tier. Last seen falling to what was a routine 3-1 loss away at defending champions Shelbourne, Ger Nash’s men sit rock-bottom of the table. Already sat 12 points adrift of safety heading into Friday’s showdown, the former Aston Villa coach has an almighty job on his hands at Turners Cross. With their nightmare blip underlined by a 4-1 drumming against runaway leaders Shamrock on June 20th, Cork City have failed to claim a single victory from any of their previous 12 consecutive appearances. It should also be noted, Friday’s guests have lost their last five straight matchups on the road by an aggregate score of 15-7.

Cork City Team News

Shown a straight red card away at Shelbourne last week, 25-year-old Charlie Lyons will miss out through suspension on Friday night. Not featuring since the end of April, former Oldham youngster Benny Couto remains on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Completing a permanent move from Colchester United last month, Fiacre Kelleher could make his full Cork debut here. One-time Watford star Sean Murray will partner Greg Bolger in the middle of the park this weekend.

Waterford vs Cork City Key Factors to Consider

• When Waterford and Cork City last met on April 21st, Friday’s guests collected a 2-1 victory at Turners Cross.
• However, since that win on home soil, Cork City have failed to win any of their previous 12 consecutive appearances.
• The Rebel Army have lost their last five straight matchups away from Turners Cross by an aggregate score of 15-7.
• Including a 7-2 loss against Derry City last week, Waterford have failed to record a single clean sheet over the past two months.
• Shipping 42 Premier Division strikes this season, Waterford hold the worst defensive tally among Ireland’s elite.

Conclusion

Eventually falling to an infamous 7-2 drumming away at Derry City last week, Waterford are desperately seeking an immediate response here. However, holding the worst defensive tally among Ireland’s elite this season, we could be set for another thrilling Premier Division showdown here. Two camps who find themselves scrapping it out at the foot of the table, chances could come thick and fast this weekend. Watching Cork City lose their previous five straight matchups away from Turners Cross by an aggregate score of 15-7, we really have a battle between two of Ireland’s most leaky defences.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Luckster