The Blues are back on the road this Friday, making our longest journey of the season up to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium to take on Derry City FC in our latest SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division game, and here’s all the news you need to know ahead of kick-off.
Derry City FC vs Waterford FC
SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Friday 28th February 2025
The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium
7:45pm
WATERFORD FC
The Blues kicked-off their season a fortnight ago with a 3-2 win away to Sligo Rovers FC at The Showgrounds, with goals from Rowan McDonald, Tommy Lonergan & Conan Noonan sealed our first win of the new campaign.
Reigning Premier Division champions Shelbourne FC were the first visitors to the RSC this season last Friday, as Mipo Odubeko’s first-half finish proved the difference between the sides on a night that saw over 3,400 sepctators fill into the RSC.
Waterford make the journey up to Derry this Friday looking to pick up a positive result against a side in Derry City that will be looking to challenge for league honours in 2025.
DERRY CITY FC
The Candystripes welcome Keith Long’s side to the RSC on Friday with three points to their name from their opening two games of the 2025 League of Ireland seaon.
An opening night 3-1 defeat away to Shelbourne FC was followed up with a 1-0 win at home to Bohemian FC last Friday, with Michael Duffy’s stunning free-kick the difference between the sides on the night.
New Derry boss Tiernan Lynch will look to continue that positive home form against the Blues on Friday night, with the Blues eager to get one over on Derry who picked up maximum points against Waterford in our meetings in 2024.
TEAM NEWS
Ryan Burke is suspended for the game on Friday night, following his red-card against Shelbourne FC last week. Ben McCormack & Grant Horton remain doubts after picking up injuries in recent weeks. Trae Coyle & Matty Smith remain out, as they continue thier recovery from injury.
James Olayinka makes the matchday squad having returned to training this week, after missing the first two-weeks of the season due to injury.
KEITH LONG’S THOUGHTS
“I think we can gain confidence based off our first two performances, and we’ve got to move on to what is a tough week with Derry away followed quickly by Cork & Bohemians at home. The games are coming thick and fast now, and we’ve got to be ready & ensure we recover well”.
Safe travels to all the loyal Blues supporters making the 800km round-trip to the Brandywell to back the side on Friday! Limited tickets remain – click HERE to get yours today.
