Waterford United and Derry City meet at Waterford Regional Sports Center, in a match for the 1st round of the Premier League. There is no record of direct confrontations between these two teams in the last 3 years. The last match was played on 05-10-2007 and ended with the score: Waterford United (2-1) Derry City. In this game the home factor may be decisive, since both teams present considerable differences in the results achieved at home and as a visitor.

The team of the house disputes its first match in this edition of the competition, after having won the promotion for having finished the last edition of the lower division in the 1st position. This is a team that usually makes good use of the home advantage, stronger with the help of its supporters, since in the last 30 matches they register 6 wins, 6 draws and 3 losses in away matches, with 25 goals scored and 13 conceded; against 12 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss at their stadium, with 28 goals scored and 10 conceded. The team comes to this match after a home victory over Wexford Youths by (4-1). In the last 10 home matches for all competitions, Waterford United has won 8, tied 1 and lost 1. Their offense has scored frequently, since they have scored goals in 9 of the last 10 matches.

Waterford makes its debut in the Irish championship, after in the previous season having won the title of champion in the second division. In this home game, coach Alan Reynolds will have to act in the usual 4-2-3-1, privileging the low block and counterattacks, thus exploring the space in the back of the opponent’s defense. Faysal Kasmi is the great star of Waterford, being a very competent player in the pass and with great vision of the game. Without great surprises, the locals present some weaknesses in the maintenance of possession and completion of the ball. Everything indicates that the coach can count on all his players.

The visiting team makes its debut in this edition of the race after having finished the last season in the 4th position. This is a team that usually makes good use of the home advantage, stronger with the help of its supporters, since in the last 30 matches they register 3 wins, 5 draws and 7 losses in away matches, with 11 goals scored and 24 conceded; against 7 wins, 4 draws and 4 losses at their stadium, with 26 goals scored and 23 conceded. The team comes to this match after a loss away with Drogheda United by (4-1). In the last 10 away matches for all competitions Derry City has won 3, tied 3 and lost 4.

The Derry City starts for this season after having finished in the 4th position in the previous championship. If we count the last 10 matches played, the visitors total six matches in a row without tasting the victory. Normally the trainer Kenny Shiels plays in 4-2-3-1, privileging the possession of ball and the attacks by the flanks: Curtis and Schubert must play by the flanks, being both very competent in the offensive transition. The maintenance of possession of the ball is the strong point of the Derry City. For this game the coach can count on all his players.

PREDICTION: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.67