SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Cork City -v- Waterford FC
Monday, September 2nd, 2019
Kick Off: 7:45pm
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
Waterford FC play their third game in seven days on Monday night with a trip to Turners Cross to take on Cork City in the final Munster derby of the season.
The Blues come into the game on the back of a good performance against Derry City on Friday night. Michael O’Connor’s first-half header ensured the Blues took a well-deserved point from a hotly-contested match.
That point followed up a positive performance away to Shamrock Rovers last Tuesday and should give the Blues confidence ahead of Monday’s game.
The sides met just a number of weeks ago in the RSC with Cork winning 2-1, but the Blues have won both other meetings between the sides this season.
Following Monday’s game, the Blues prepare for meetings with Hearts Colts and Dundalk this coming Friday and following Monday.
Managers View: Speaking to WaterfordFC.ie ahead of Monday’s trip to Cork, manager Alan Reynolds said:
“I was happy with the character, application and the work rate that the players put in [against Derry City]. It was a big game for us and it was important that we got something from it so in that regard I’m happy.
“Travelling to Cork on Monday is another game that we’re targeting points from. If we can build on the last two performances then we’ve got every opportunity to get a good result and move up the table.
“We made a number of changes last weekend, switched it up a bit and it had the desired effect. But now we head to Cork without one of our best players in Zack [Elbouzedi] because he’s training with the Irish U21s who don’t play until Friday which is frustrating. That’s another challenge we need to work with but the lads know it’s a game to go and win.
“Neale will no doubt have Cork ready, he hasn’t been there long but we need to be wary of what they’ll throw at us.”
Team News: Zack Elbouzedi misses out as he trains with the Republic of Ireland U21s ahead of their first match on Friday. Dean Walsh misses out again while Rory Feely continues his recovery from injury picked up against Glengad and remains a doubt. Walter Figueira came off early against Derry and will be assessed before the game.