Bitesize Prediction: Waterford vs Drogheda – 23/05/24

Competition: Irish Premier Division

Market: Waterford win

Odds: 6/5 @ BetUS

Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Thursday night, Waterford will welcome Drogheda to town for a Premier Division showdown.

Starting with the hosts, while Waterford might have only made their Premier Division return this season, the Blues have continued to gain a string of plaudits. Although Keith Long’s men might have been last seen suffering late frustration as they were hit with a 1-0 defeat away at Shelbourne, the former Bohemians boss will be smelling the chance to claim an immediate response here. Making a major statement earlier in the month as they stormed their way to a stunning 3-1 victory away at defending champions Shamrock Rovers, Waterford have collected nine points from their previous four top-flight appearances. With their recent purple patch underlined by a 4-1 romp against Dundalk on May 10th, Waterford will also be excited by a rampant record against Thursday’s guests. Including another 4-1 win when they last met Drogheda back on February 23rd, they have won all of their previous three battles by an aggregate score of 7-2.

As for the visitors, while Drogheda might have eventually clung to their Premier Division status last season, Kevin Doherty’s men are bracing themselves for another relegation scrap this time around. Last seen suffering an infamous last-gasp collapse on home soil as they suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Galway, the Drogs have won just a pair of their previous 13 top-flight showdowns – a rut that stems all the way back to March 4th. Currently scrapping it out in the drop zone, the former Shelbourne boss will also have a real headache over his side’s glaring defensive struggles. Signing off April with a 4-0 drumming against Shamrock Rovers, Drogheda have shipped 26 goals in their 16 Premier Division matchups so far this season. Holding the worst defensive tally among Ireland’s elite and hit with that 4-1 loss when they last met Waterford back on February 23rd, a home win can be found at appealing odds on Thursday night.

Bet: Waterford 6/5 to beat Drogheda in Thursday’s Irish Premier Division battle @ BetUS