Munster Derby Showdown! Waterford vs. Cork City: Who Will Dominate?
Get ready for a heated Munster Derby as Waterford FC prepares to host Cork City FC this Friday at the RSC! Kick-off is at 7:45pm and the atmosphere is guaranteed to be electric.
Blues Aim to Bounce Back
Waterford will be eager to return to winning form after their recent defeat against Derry City FC. This third Munster Derby of the year promises high stakes, with both teams having secured victories in their respective home fixtures earlier in the season. Remember Kyle White’s dramatic 87th-minute winner for Waterford in gameweek 4? Cork City returned the favour with a 2-1 victory at Turners Cross later in April.
Currently, Waterford sits in eighth position in the league table with 27 points. They'll be looking to climb higher with a strong performance at home.
Rebel Army Seeks First RSC Win Since 2022
Cork City travels to Waterford seeking their first victory at the RSC since 2022. That year, Ruairi Keating's 95th-minute penalty secured a late win after Raul Uche looked to have snatched a point for Waterford in the 92nd minute. City comes into this match following a 3-1 defeat against Shelbourne FC and a mid-season friendly loss (2-1) against Celtic FC.
Gerard Nash's side is currently struggling, sitting at the bottom of the Premier Division table and winless in their last 12 league games.
Injury and Selection Concerns for Cork City
Cork City manager Ger Nash faces several selection headaches ahead of this crucial away game. The fitness of Sean Maguire and Sean Murray is in question after they were forced off injured in the defeat against Shelbourne. Furthermore, Charlie Lyons is suspended, forcing Nash to reshuffle his defense. Fiacre Kelleher and Rory Feely could be in line for starts after featuring against Celtic.
"A number of our players are having their preseason as we go," Nash said, highlighting the challenges of integrating new players during a critical period. He also emphasized the competition for places within the squad, mentioning Freddie Anderson, Harry Nevin, Darragh Crowley, and Milan Mbeng as options for the backline.
What to Expect
Waterford manager John Coleman expects a tough challenge from Cork City, emphasizing the importance of being at their best in this derby clash. Both teams are hungry for a positive reaction, making this a must-watch encounter for football fans in South Africa and beyond.