Bitesize Prediction: Drogheda vs Waterford – 26/07/24

Competition: Irish Premier Division

Market: Over 1.5 goals

Odds: 4/11 @ Pribet

Looking to extend their buffer in the European chase, Waterford will travel to Weavers Park on Friday night when they meet Drogheda.

Starting with the hosts, while Drogheda might have eventually clung to their Premier Division status last season, Kevin Doherty’s men are seeking a real miracle this time around. Although the Drogs might have extended on their FAI Cup adventure last week as they clinched a 2-1 win against Dundalk, the County Louth-based outfit are in the midst of a public top-flight struggle. Last seen in Premier Division action slumping to an action-packed 4-2 defeat away at the Lilywhites, the former Shelbourne boss finds his squad sat rock-bottom of the table and rightfully pencilled in as a landslide relegation contender this year. Opening Friday’s showdown at Weavers Park sat nine points adrift of top-flight safety, Drogheda have collected just a pair of points from any of their previous 10 Premier Division appearances. With that extended rut stemming all the way back to May 6th, it should also be noted that Friday’s hosts have recorded just a sole clean sheet across any competition since the start of April.

As for the visitors, while Waterford might have only made their Premier Division return this season, the Blues have embarked on a stellar purple patch. Last seen extending on their FAI Cup adventure thanks to a 2-1 victory against Cockhill, Keith Long’s men should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Signing off June with a stellar 2-0 win away at Dundalk, the former Bohemians boss has seen his squad gain plenty of plaudits. Remarkably battling it out in the European chase and sat in the driving seat to claim a bronze medal finish this year, Friday’s guests will be looking to lay down another marker here. Including a thumping 4-1 victory against Sligo Rovers last month, Waterford have won six of their previous nine domestic matchups across all competitions. Likewise, Long’s side should also be excited by a rampant record against the leading relegation scrappers. In fact, the Blues have won all of their last four consecutive showdowns against Drogheda by an aggregate score of 11-4.

Bet: Over 1.5 goals at Drogheda vs Waterford 4/11 for Friday’s Irish Premier Division matchup @ Pribet