MATCH OVERVIEW
Derry City and Waterford FC are gearing up for an exciting League of Ireland match that promises to deliver high-stakes action. Scheduled for February 28, 2025, at 19:45 GMT, this fixture is crucial for both teams as they seek to establish momentum in the early stages of the season. The match will take place at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, where Derry City will aim to leverage their home advantage.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The average odds for this match suggest a strong favoritism towards Derry City, with odds of 1.45 for a home win, 4.19 for a draw, and 7.16 for a Waterford FC victory. These odds translate to a probability of approximately 69% for a Derry City win, 24% for a draw, and just 14% for a Waterford win. Based on these odds, Derry City is expected to dominate, but Waterford's potential for an upset cannot be entirely dismissed.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Derry City
- Current Form: Derry City has shown a solid start with an average of 1 goal per match and a possession rate of 53.5%.
- Strengths: Strong passing game with 412.5 average passes and a high success rate in duels (118.5 successful duels).
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable defense with 1.5 goals conceded per match and an expected goals against of 1.91.
Waterford FC
- Current Form: Waterford FC has been competitive, averaging 1.5 goals per match.
- Strengths: High goalkeeper saves (7 per match) and effective interceptions (50 per match).
- Weaknesses: Lower possession rate at 35% and a higher expected goals against of 2.34.
Head-to-Head
Historically, Derry City has had the upper hand in this fixture, often leveraging their home advantage to secure victories.
KEY PLAYERS SPOTLIGHT
Derry City
- Michael Duffy: Leading the team with 2 goals this season and a CompaScore of 94.52.
- Dom Thomas: A key playmaker with a CompaScore of 70.98.
Waterford FC
- Stephen McMullan: A standout performer with a CompaScore of 135.49.
- Conan Noonan and Tommy Lonergan: Both have scored 1 goal each, crucial for Waterford's attacking efforts.
STATISTICAL DEEP DIVE
- Offensive Metrics: Derry City averages 9.5 shots per match with 3.5 on target, while Waterford averages 7.5 shots with 2 on target.
- Defensive Metrics: Waterford's defense is tested more frequently, with 13.5 clearances per match compared to Derry's 5.5.
- Possession and Passing: Derry City's superior possession (53.5%) and passing accuracy (319.5 successful passes) give them a tactical edge.
PREDICTION AND CONCLUSION
Based on the data, Derry City is poised to win this encounter, leveraging their home advantage and superior passing game. Key factors include Derry's ability to control possession and Waterford's reliance on counter-attacks. Expect a competitive match with Derry City likely to edge out a victory.
Final Score Prediction: Derry City 2-1 Waterford FC Half Time Score Prediction: Derry City 1-0 Waterford FC Both Teams to Score Probability: 50% Over 2.5 Goals Probability: 50%