Shamrock Rovers v Blues Preview

Waterford produced one of the shock results of the season by winning 3-1 in Tallaght last May. It might be an even bigger surprise if they repeat that feat this time on the back of four consecutive defeats, but this is a division where any team can beat any other on any given Friday.

The minimum that fans will want to see is for the Blues to really have a go tonight after an insipid performance in Drogheda last week. The task is made that much harder without Andy Boyle, who misses his fourth game in a row. Keith Long may opt to strengthen the numbers in defence by bringing Navajo Bakboord back into the team and moving Grant Horton into the centre beside Kacper Radkowksi and Darragh Leahy. Conan Noonan’s absence from midfield could also influence this decision. The loanee from Shamrock Rovers isn’t allowed to play against his parent club. His set-piece delivery has been important this season and will be missed tonight.

 

 

Waterford’s two biggest highlights of the past two seasons have come in Tallaght Stadium, with the playoff against Cork City and last May’s shock win, but, overall, their record has been poor against Rovers in recent years at home and away. The Blues have lost 15 of their last 16 games against the Hoops going back to the summer of 2018. 

Rovers got off to a rocky start – forgivable as their 2024 season overlapped with their 2025 season. Stephen Bradley’s men were still involved in the Europa Conference League when they lost their opening league match 1-0 to Bohemians in Lansdowne Road. They then drew with Shelbourne and lost 2-1 in Sligo. They’ve picked up ten points from twelve since then with wins in Drogheda and Galway, at home to St Pat’s and with a 0-0 draw against Derry City in their last home game. Currently fifth in the table, they have a game in hand which will be played on Monday against Cork City so it’s a home doubleheader for them this weekend. 

 

 

Rory Gaffney has returned to the fold and scored the winning goal against Galway last week. Seán Kavanagh misses out through injury, but Danny Madroiu has been declared fit and goalkeeper Ed McGinty returns from suspension. They have a ridiculous array of talent to choose from in attack with Gaffney joined by Graham Burke, Aaron Greene, Danny Grant and 16-year-old Michael Noonan, supported by midfielders Mandroiu, reigning PFAI Player of the Year Dylan Watts, Jack Byrne, Aaron McEneff, Matthew Healy and Gary O’Neill.  Don’t be surprised to see another 16-year-old sensation, Victor Ozhianvuna, involved tonight either.

It all makes Rovers overwhelming favourites, but this is the most competitive League of Ireland ever and any outcome is always possible. Drogheda have been outsiders in most of their games this year, but have battled their way to the top of the table. The Blues should relish the challenge in Tallaght and start at the same tempo as last May. They also have ex-Rovers man Pádraig Amond who is the best finisher in the country if chances are created. The odds are against Waterford, but we’ve proven them wrong before.

 

(All photographs courtesy of Noel Browne)