Gameweek 26 in the League of Ireland Premier Division will see Waterford United taking on Shamrock Rovers at the Waterford Regional Sports Centre on Friday evening.
The hosts are currently in third place in the league standings with 37 points after 25 matches, while the visitors are three points and two places behind them.
Waterford's European Ambitions
The 2024 Irish Premier Division season is turning into an excellent one for Waterford, who currently hold the third and final European qualification spot in just their first season back in the top flight.
With 25 games already in the rearview mirror, the Blues have managed a record of 11 wins, four draws and 10 losses, though two of those defeats have come in their last two matches, losing 1-0 to Galway United and 2-0 to Drogheda United last weekend.
Notably, both those matches were on the road, while at home, Keith Long's side have won six of their last seven in all competitions, including a 2-1 win over Corkhill Celtic in the FAI Cup second round a couple of weeks ago.
Waterford travelled to Tallaght Stadium in early May and delivered a stunning performance, securing a 3-1 victory over the reigning champions and returning home with all three points.
They will need a similar showing this week if they are to remain in the top three, though, with Sligo Rovers just one point behind, while their upcoming opponents and Galway trail by them by three.
Shamrock Rovers' Struggles
Meanwhile, after winning the top-flight title in each of the four seasons, Shamrock Rovers have found it much tougher this term, currently down in fifth place and trailing lead leaders Shelbourne by 13 points.
Owing to their participation in Champions League qualification, the Rovers have played two fewer games than most of the sides around them and will know that six points from those fixture are an absolute must.
However, Stephen Bradley's side have endured a few difficult outings heading into this match, as they saw their Champions League hopes brought to an end last week when they lost 4-2 to Sparta Prague in the second leg of their second-round tie, ultimately losing 6-2 on aggregate.
That result followed their elimination from the FAI Cup a week earlier, where they were beaten by relegation candidates Bohemians, albeit with a significantly changed-up squad of players.
Shamrock have now failed to win any of their last five away matches in all competitions, including four defeats and a draw, with their last win on the road coming against Drogheda back at the end of May.
Injuries and Team News
Waterford suffered a major injury setback in June against Dundalk when club captain Barry Baggley sustained a back injury which has kept him on the sideline ever since.
Sam Sargeant and Rowan McDonald are ruled out until September with a broken hand and calf injury respectively, while Connor Evans and Maleace Asamoah are flagged as doubts with knocks.
Rovers received an injury boost last week with Johnny Kenny returning to the squad having shaken off a knock and he will be in contention to make the trip to Munster this weekend.
However, the defending champions are set to remain without Rory Gaffney and Aaron McEneff, both of whom are expected to remain sidelined for the foreseeable future owing to injuries.
Waterford United possible starting lineup:
Jones; Power, Horton, Leahy, McCourt; Pattisson, McCormack, O'Keeffe, Parsons; McMenamy; Amond
Shamrock Rovers possible starting lineup:
Pohls; Cleary, Lopes, Honohan; Hoare, Nugent, O'Neil, Farrugia, Clarke; Watts, Kenny
A Tight Encounter on the Cards
This match will mark Shamrock Rovers' fifth game in the space of 16 days and it will not get any easier for them with their Europa League qualifier against Celje on the horizon.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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