Derry City look to return to winning ways at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, as they face off against Jon Daly’s Waterford side, who have yet to see victory so far in 2026.
After the opening 3 game weeks of the Premier Division season, Derry City find themselves just outside the European places in 4th. All of Derry City’s home games have been played in Derry so far, as work is set to commence on the ground. The Candystripes opened their league campaign with victory over Sligo Rovers in late fashion, edging Rovers 2-1, courtesy of a Josh Thomas dagger in injury time.
Things have not been as rosy since opening night however, as Derry have gone on to draw to newly-promoted Dundalk 2-2, and most recently suffered defeat to Bohs last Friday Night, with Dawson Devoy’s rocket of a free-kick proving to be the only goal of the game.
Jon Daly’s Waterford side have yet to put a win on the board. They opened their league campaign, hosting Shelbourne, in which they earned a well-deserved point, courtesy of Tom Lonergan’s header from a set-piece. Their trip to Drogheda didn’t prove as fruitful.
The Blues were dispatched by Kevin Doherty’s Drogheda United, with Mark Doyle and Shane Farrell finding the net early. Last Friday Night will be considered a missed opportunity for the Blues, having had the large share of chances, including a missed Pádraig Amond penalty.
Key Information:
Kick Off: 19:45, Friday 27th of February
Where to Watch: LOITV
Betting Odds: Derry City @2/5, Draw @16/5, Waterford @11/2
Referee: Paul Norton (Dublin)
Team News:
Derry City have been forced into the loan signing of Eddie Beach, after goalkeeper Brian Maher fractured his wrist. Liam Boyce will also remain out for the forthcoming months with a calf injury.
Carl Winchester sustained a knock on Friday night, but should get the go ahead for the Blues clash. Darragh Markey sat out training on Wednesday as a precautionary measure. Lastly, Cameron Dummigan is nearing a return to first team action.
Finlay Armstrong continues his recovery, as does Arlo Doherty after suffering a hamstring injury. New signings Jordan Houston has not played a game since October and Will Johnson is currently recovering from his own injury. Therefore, they most likely will not be ready for Friday night’s fixture.
Key Statistics:
Waterford and Derry City had 3 players swap shirts for the other teams’ during the off-season. Hayden Cann and Arlo Doherty joined Waterford’s defense, while ex-Arsenal academy product James Olayinka joined the Candystripes, to bolster their midfield depth.
Derry scored a whopping 10 goals last season against the Blues, with 7 of these coming in one game, when Tiernan Lynch’s side embarrassed Waterford, finishing the game victorious and with a 7-2 scoreline to show for it.
Swansea loanee Josh Thomas has the most big chances missed in the division so far this season with 3, although he is followed closely by Waterford’s Tom Lonergan with 2.
Alex Bannon has topped the charts in the Premier Division to date for key passes, the defender is averaging 6 per game so far.
Key Players:
James McClean is obviously the big name in this Derry side, however with him being played out of position in midfield so far by Tiernan Lynch, Michael Duffy is by far the man to have eyes on.
The winger won the PFAI Player of the Season last year, with 25 goal contributions to show for it. The 31 year-old is notoriously known for giving his full-back a lot of work to do, so Luke Heeney will have to be on top form to stop the Derry native.
Conan Noonan has picked up where he left off last season, after securing another move to Waterford, this time a permanent one. The 23 year-old was back in the centre of the pitch last Friday against Sligo Rovers, and it proved to be a great call by Jon Daly, as the ex-Shamrock Rovers attacking player went on to have a standout performance.
Noonan was at the centre of the Blues passing game, creating two big chances, along with another six key passes.
Previous Meetings:
17/10/25 – Waterford 1-2 Derry City
4/7/25 – Derry City 7-2 Waterford
25/4/25 – Waterford 2-1 Derry City
28/2/25 – Derry City 1-2 Waterford