Waterford host Sligo Rovers at the RSC as both sides still search for their first win of their 2026 campaign.
Waterford approach the fixture with only 1 point from their opening 2 games. Jon Daly’s side opened their 2026 League of Ireland campaign against Joey O’Brien’s Shelbourne, in which they left the game with a much deserved point due to their defensive performance. Unfortunately, The Blues did not gain anything from their trip to Louth, being defeated by Drogheda United 2-0, courtesy of Shane Farrell who rifled it home with the left and Mark Doyle, with the help of poor defending from Waterford.
John Russell’s Sligo Rovers on the other hand are yet to score a point this season. The Connaught outfit came very close while up north, conceding a Josh Thomas belter in the dying embers. It was also a night to forget upon their return to The Showgrounds, with Colm Whelan putting Russell’s men to bed with a hat-trick, his third in 12 months, to beat Rovers 4-0.
Key Information
Kick Off: 19;45, Friday February 20th
Where to Watch: LOI TV
Betting Odds: Waterford @19/20, Draw @12/5, Sligo Rovers @5/2
Referee: Daniel Murphy
Team News
Waterford FC may be able to add Arlo Doherty to their squad for the first time since joining from Derry City, the goalkeeper currently has a knock. Finlay Armstrong remains unavailable for Jon Daly as he continues his rehabilitation process.
Carl McHugh failed a late fitness test last week and was unavailable for John Russell. Conor Reynolds also currently has a knock which has seen him uninvolved in the first two games of the season.
Key Statistics
Since 1998, Waterford and Sligo Rovers have the same amount of wins against each other at 16 a piece, with the sides drawing 10 times.
These wins also tend to be by small margins with either team winning by 3 goals or more only 3 times since 1998.
Cian Kavanagh is also familiar with this fixture, with the current Sligo Rovers striker finding the back of the net 3 times when Waterford and Sligo Rovers meet. He has scored for both sides in this particular game.
Key Players
It’ll be very hard to look past Waterford veteran striker Pádraig Ámond. The Waterford Captain has been key to Waterford retaining their Premier Division status over the last few years, earning the title as the League’s Top Scorer for the last 2 seasons.
For Sligo Rovers it’ll be hard to fill the shoes of Owen Elding, but Jad Hakiki will definitely have to keep the Waterford midfielders alert. The 21 year-old is everywhere either playing in a double pivot or further forward as a 10. His engine and ability to cover the field will prove vital for Sligo’s ambitions for the game.
Previous Meetings
22/8/25 – Waterford FC 1-2 Sligo Rovers
14/6/25 – Sligo Rovers 1-0 Waterford FC
18/4/25 – Waterford FC 0-4 Sligo Rovers
15/2/25 – Sligo Rovers 2-3 Waterford FC