Waterford FC
- Waterford FC haven't tasted defeat in 5 games (W4, D1) and have been solid at home this season, winning 4, drawing 7 and losing 3 of their 14 Premier Division 2026 fixtures.
- Graham Coughlan has really tightened up the home side since taking over on 6 May 2026 and they've just put together a little run that suggests they could be dangerous in the second half of the season.
- Friday's hosts were undefeated in their last 5, coming into this game following a 0-0 draw at Sligo Rovers and a 2-0 away win at St Patrick's Athletic.
Derry City
- Derry City beat University College Dublin 2-1 in the FAI Cup, but then were beaten 5-3 away to Bohemians in the Premier Division 2026 last time out in what was a wild game.
- Mark Connolly has been in charge since 5 August 2026 and has introduced a high-energy, front-foot style with the 4-2-3-1/4-1-4-1 formation pressing forward and attacking wide areas with aggression.
Head-to-Head
The Blues beat the Candystripes 4-2 away from home in the Premier Division 2026 and lead the last two meetings 1-0 (D1) .
Key Players
- Top scorers:
- Tom Lonergan is the main finisher for Waterford FC with 14 goals from 27 appearances in the Premier Division 2026.
- Michael Duffy is Derry City's highest scorer with 8 goals from 21 games.
- Creativity & form:
- Benny Couto has added a bit of a spark to Waterford in recent weeks, providing 3 assists during their 5-match scoring run.
- Duffy scored 3 of Derry's 8 goals during the same period.
Betting Insights
- The odds certainly favour Derry (2.26), but Waterford are not far behind at 2.83 and the Draw is 3.62.
- Both teams to score at 1.54 appeals, as does Over 2.5 goals at 1.68, given the attacking noise around this fixture of late.
Prediction
- Waterford are a much improved unit and have enough to edge Derry City in a tight clash on Friday.
- Waterford have won their last 3 at home and we're backing them for the points here in what should be a very tight game that could swing either way.
- Waterford score an average of 1.36 goals per game at home in the Premier Division 2026, conceding 1.14, so we're not expecting a blowout.
- Derry have conceded 21 goals in 14 away fixtures in the Premier Division 2026 and Waterford will fancy their chances of exploiting that.