Derry City vs Waterford: will Derry City extend their winning streak?
On Friday, July 4, we’re set for a Premier Division Round 23 clash in Ireland as Derry City host Waterford. The match kicks off at 20:45 Central European Time, and here’s my prediction for this encounter.
Derry City vs Waterford: facts and head-to-head
- Derry City have won their last four matches and are unbeaten in four straight games.
- Waterford have managed just one win in their last seven outings.
- The visitors are winless in three consecutive away games.
- Derry City have lost only one of their last six home matches.
- Waterford have failed to keep a clean sheet in seven consecutive fixtures.
- Derry City have scored at least once in their last four matches.
- Derry City boast the second-best attack and the second-best defense in the league.
- Waterford have the second-worst defense in the competition.
- Waterford have won the last two head-to-head meetings, but before that Derry City went seven games unbeaten against them.
Derry City vs Waterford: match preview
Derry City are in a rich vein of form, playing some impressive football and racking up results. Having climbed from fifth to second place, Derry are now four games unbeaten, winning their last four in a row. They’ve edged ahead of Bohemians on tiebreakers to take second spot in the standings. There’s still half the season to play, but this excellent run is bound to keep spirits high and the momentum going. However, the title race is proving tough—the gap to the leaders is 11 points. True, Derry have two games in hand, but closing such a gap will be a huge challenge.
Waterford sit near the bottom of the Irish Premier Division table, teetering on the edge of the relegation zone and fighting to widen the gap. After 22 rounds, they’ve collected 27 points—eight more than the side in ninth. But they’ve won just once in their last seven matches. On top of that, Waterford have the second-worst attack in the league, which is hardly encouraging for their overall prospects. Despite a decent cushion over ninth place, there’s no room for complacency.
Probable line-ups
- Derry City: Maher; Boyce, Connolly, Holt, Todd; Winchester, Cian, Diallo; White, Boyce, Duffy
- Waterford: McMullan; Horton, Leahy, Boyle, Burke; Lonergan, McDonald, Olayinka, Glenfield, Dempsey; Amond
Prediction
Derry City are firing on all cylinders—especially at home. Waterford, meanwhile, are struggling badly, particularly at the back. I expect the hosts to keep their winning streak alive. My prediction: Derry City to win at odds of 1.51.
