We are back! It’s matchday 1 as Waterford FC travel 4 hours to Sligo Rovers to kick off what is expected to be a magnificent League Of Ireland season! Sligo have been the more successful side in the head to head with 11 wins, Waterford close behind with 10 and a stalemate 8 times.
Team Prediction
Although pre-season seemed to be lacklustre, our new signings have not had much time to gel through pre season, with the first look at a full strength squad against Treaty United in the Munster Senior Cup. I feel McMullan will nudge Wade for the number 1 spot in goal, Bakboord, Burke, Boyle and Radkowski to complete the back 4, McDonald, Noonan, Glenfield and McMenamy in the centre of the park, and Lonergan and Podge Amond to compile the strikeforce.
Rovers Purchaces
Sligo have had a pretty decent transfer window, Sam Sargeant put pen to paper for the Bit O’ Reds, departing Waterford after a successful 2 years, a very versatile keeper with brilliant distribution. Former Galway United man Francely Lomboto was Russells first signing of the off season, Lomboto played 93 times for Galway, scoring 13 times. Another former Waterford player, albeit years ago, Cian Kavanagh, having plenty of League of Ireland Premier Division experience lining out for Waterford and Derry before returning to St Patricks Athletic ahead of the 2024 season where he played 21 times. Rovers have also signed Jad Hakiki from Dundalk, Ronan Manning from Treaty United and Van Hattum arriving from down under’s Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix.
Match Predictions
This is going to be tough to determine as I haven’t got to see Sligo in action, but I will hold out hope and say 2-1 Blues.
Chat to ya soon,
Conor (mon blues)