MATCH PREVIEW: Waterford FC -v- Bohemians (07/08/2021)
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Waterford FC -v- Bohemians
Saturday, 7th August 2021
Kick-Off: 2pm
Referee: Graham Kelly
Waterford FC will look to extend their winning run this weekend when Bohemians visit the RSC on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues come into this weekend’s game after a battling 2-1 win over Drogheda United in Head in the Game Park last Friday. A Junior Quitirna goal seven minutes from time saw the Blues take home all three points and move out of the relegation zone.
The Blues have been enjoying a good run of form in recent weeks, winning five of their last eight league games, scoring 10 goals.
Saturday’s opponents come into the game having played in the European Conference League on Tuesday evening, beating PAOK 2-1 in the Aviva Stadium.
The sides last met in competitive action back in May when Bohemians ran out 3-0 winners in Dalymount Park against a 10-man Blues side. The last meeting in the RSC came back in April when a Rob Cornwall gave the visitors a narrow win. Of the side’s last 12 meetings, the Blues have won on five occasions with just three draws since 2018.
Manager’s View: Speaking ahead of Saturday’s match against Bohemians, manager Marc Bircham said:
“We were happy to get the win in Drogheda for the work the lads put in and it moves us out of the relegation zone. We aren’t getting ahead of ourselves, though. We still have to make sure we do our jobs so we were straight back into it and focused for the coming game.
“Bohemians are a top side. They are riding a wave off the back of their European games over the last few weeks. They have some excellent players in the squad and they are set up well. We know we are in for another battle, but we want to keep the habit of winning for as long as possible.
“We’re in good form ourselves and we are working hard. We’re not a finished product but we’re getting the new players up to fitness. They’ve fit in well with the squad so we’re looking to build on that.”
Team News: Eddie Nolan and Kyle Ferguson are doubts and will face fitness tests ahead of the game, while Anthony Wordsworth is suspended following his red card last weekend. Matthew Connor, Daryl Murphy and Oscar Brennan miss out.