Both teams may end up having successful campaigns, but this Friday’s clash between Waterford and Sligo Rovers has the feel of a relegation six-pointer, even after just nine matches.
Keith Long’s side have suffered five consecutive league defeats, scoring just one goal, and that run is extended to six in all competitions.
Rovers, meanwhile, are conceding a plethora of goals and sit at the bottom of the Premier Division table with just one victory and four points.
Performances a Concern as Waterford Look to Halt Losing Streak
If there is one key feature of the Premier Division, it is that teams are generally evenly matched and are capable of picking up results against any side in the top flight.
However, that does not appear to be the case at Waterford this season. Early-season wins over Sligo Rovers, Cork City, and Derry City showed promise, but they have struggled to turn in a performance since.
Waterford had some decent spells late in the defeat at Drogheda United, started strongly against St. Patrick’s Athletic last month and played well after going three goals down against Bohemians, but it is not enough for them to remain competitive.
There are some Premier Division standard players in the team, and there is better standard on the field than last season.
The manager has not managed to make them a functioning outfit as of yet. There is enough in this side to suggest they will halt their winless streak soon.
They require a big result to lift spirits, and the clash against struggling Sligo Rovers may just prove the remedy required.
Can John Russell Make The Tactical Tweak Required?
There are several issues for the popular manager must address if he is to stop his side from being cut adrift at the foot of the table, and it was analysed in detail by The Deck this week.
The midfield is the key concern here, but the confirmed absence of Harvey Lintott and Ollie Denham will be a blow in the back line.
It will require another reshuffle of a defence that has conceded 21 times in the opening nine matches, the worst record in the top-flight.
The return of Cian Kavanagh and Jake Doyle-Hayes will bolster options in attack and in midfield.
Russell will have to set up his team to get the best out of Jad Hakiki and Owen Elding, the two most prominent and creative players in the first-team squad this season.
As mentioned in the analysis piece, a solution must be found to provide greater cover in front of the back four in place of the departed Niall Morahan.
He will also need to ensure that his side are motivated from the off, having gone two goals down in each of their last three matches, with all ending in defeat.
Sligo Rovers fell two goals down to Waterford on the opening night of the campaign in March en route to a 3-2 defeat at the Showgrounds.
Relegation Six-Pointer a Must-Win For Both Sides
This should be an interesting clash as each side has the capabilities to open the other one up, with neither defence impressive in the opening nine matches.
It may go down one of two ways, a cautious affair where both know they cannot afford to lose or the most likely, an end-to-end clash with both defences on the back foot for most of the ninety minutes.
There are no new injury concerns for Waterford ahead of the meeting at the RSC. Rowan McDonald came off late in the defeat to Shamrock Rovers, but there has been no update on the key midfielder’s condition.
Waterford won the last meeting 4-1 at the RSC between the sides in a dominant display. If they have a fully fit squad with no key absentees, they should pick up another three points here.
It is unlikely Russell will get the opportunity to overhaul the team tactically, but if any key figures are missing for Waterford, this is a major chance to end their winless run.