Waterford United host Shamrock Rovers in a match between third and fourth place in the Irish Premier Division on Sunday. Waterford go into the fixture undefeated in their last four league matches and seven points ahead of their rivals.
Shamrock Rovers are also undefeated in their last four matches. However, the club is coming off of a draining 1-1 Europa League first qualifying round match with Sweden’s AIK. Shamrock Rovers were eliminated from the competition on Thursday night, and mental and physical fatigue could set in this weekend.
The two sides drew 1-1 in their last meeting in May. That match was played at Shamrock Rovers’ Tallaght Stadium. The last time the two sides met at Waterford, however, the hosts were victorious, 2-1. Waterford have won four of their last six home meetings against Rovers in all competitions. Manager Alan Reynolds’ team has secured 29 of 36 home points this season. Waterford have posted a +13-goal difference in the process. The club has allowed just one goal in its last three home fixtures.
Shamrock Rovers away form hasn’t been great in 2018. The club has registered 10 points which is tied for ninth out of 10 teams in the Premier League. Rovers are –5 in goal difference and twice in their last four away games they have been held scoreless. Although Rovers are undefeated in their last four away fixtures, the club has tallied just three goals. They were held by Cock City to a nil-nil draw the last time playing away from Tallaght Stadium. Rovers have surprised many by deploying 16-year-old goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu in recent weeks. The teenage sensation saved a penalty against Cork City and gave up his first goal in five starts against AIK on Thursday. Liverpool and Arsenal are said to be tracking the youngster.
Courtney Duffus leads Waterford with 10 goals this season. His tally has him tied for fifth in the Premier League in goals. Shamrock Rovers’ Graham Burke currently leads his side with 13 strikes. Burke is second in the league in scoring and has registered 33 percent of Rovers’ goals in 2018.
Waterford recently signed two new midfielders. Noe Baba and Dessie Hutchinson are both former Ireland under-21 internationals. Both have returned from spells at English clubs and they could get the start on Sunday.
Shamrock Rovers’ disappointing elimination from the Europa League qualifying rounds on Thursday night will cause a hangover at Waterford. Rovers will once again suffer defeat to their rivals at the Waterford Regional Sports Centre. Despite Bazunu’s good form, Waterford will pick up all three points on Sunday.