Dundalk vs Waterford United Predictions

• Dundalk have not kept a clean sheet in six home Premier Division games this season.
• Waterford have lost their last seven games and scored only one goal in the process.
• Two of Dundalk’s last three home games have finished 2-1 to the Lilywhites.

Background upheaval could distract Dundalk

Dundalk’s Premier Division match against second-bottom Waterford on Friday is being overshadowed by some off-the-pitch upheaval at Oriel Park that could impact the result.

The identity of the next Lilywhites’ permanent manager seems to be no clearer, despite the club reportedly finalising terms with an assistant for interim boss Jim Magilton over the last few days.

And with budget cuts expected to be announced over the coming weeks, a number of players look set be moved on next month.

All that uncertainty makes us wonder about whether the short price on the home side to add to Waterford’s woes is worth our while.

Marc Bircham was appointed Waterford manager four days after the Blues were battered 7-0 at home by Drogheda United.

The former QPR midfielder is trying to add some steel and foster enough pride to make results like that a thing of the past – but they haven’t yet earned a point under him.

If his instructions were to take no prisoners against Bohemians last time out then his players were listening as they racked up five yellow cards and a red during a 3-0 away defeat.

By all accounts it could have been worse and it would take leap of faith to think Waterford can get a result of any kind here.

However, the both teams to score option is worth a second look because Dundalk have not kept a clan sheet on their own patch since October.

It’s true that several of their home games last Autumn were at the Europa League group stage and against tough opposition.

But Magilton’s men have not blanked any of their six home opponents this season and did find away to concede two to the league’s second worst attacking force – Longford Town – last month.

Dundalk should still create enough chances to win this game, however, and we’ll take them to prevail 2-1 – a score they have achieved in two of their last three home games.

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