The first division table could well look different next week as teams prepare for their final games before the one-week break. Waterford FC will be hoping that they can sign off with a win and continue their positive run of results.
They host Treaty at the RSC for a clash of third versus sixth, with Treaty 10 points off the Blues' pace ahead of kick-off.
The last time the sides met, Waterford were at a low in their early-season form. The Shannonsiders were 2-1 winners in Markets Field late in March, in a game that saw Blues defender Tunmise Sobowale dismissed for a reckless tackle early in the second half. Despite scoring late through Anthony Wordsworth, the Blues couldn't reel in the 2 goal lead Treaty had built.
The Opposition
That win proved to be one of only four wins that the Limerick side have registered in the first division this year. They've managed to find wins against Waterford, Athlone, and two over Wexford, but other than that quarter of three-pointers, it's been bleak reading for Treaty fans.
The last time they got in the winning column was well over a month ago as they claimed their second win over Wexford. Since then, they've managed to pick up four points from Longford (Twice), Bray, and Cobh while losing to league leaders Cork and Galway.
While Treaty have been languishing, Waterford have managed to pounce on a vein of good form. It's now five games in a row that they've won and a result tonight could feasibly leave them within touching distance of second-placed Cork City.
The Home Side
Seven points is the current gap to Cork who occupies second. They travel to Galway who are just two points to the better.
A draw in Galway this evening, and a win for Waterford would leave the Blues five points off Cork and seven off Galway. If we saw Galway beating Cork and Waterford beating Treaty, then the Blues would be as little as four points off.
We've got a break for a week after this round of fixtures, but that is followed by a couple of week of important fixtures for Waterford FC. They travel to Turners Cross, return home to welcome Bray, and then travel to Athlone and Galway.
On paper - the Athlone and Bray fixtures look like good opportunities to pick up six points, while the two most tasty outings are definitely Cork and Galway. If results were to go in the Blues' favour, they could potentially be second in the standings - or better - in four weeks' time.
The Manager
Interim boss Gary Hunt spoke this week about the positivity that surrounds the team at the moment as they aim to continue their winning run.
"If we rewind back a few weeks, it was a difficult environment - we weren't winning games, and we felt maybe we should be. All of a sudden the players realised they had to roll up their sleeves and work harder. They've added that to the quality they have and what we can bring to the table off the pitch. All of a sudden its win after win and confidence is building. It's a good environment to be around at the moment. The players are enjoying themselves, the staff are enjoying themselves and the fans are getting right behind us. I'm hoping that's going to be backed up this Friday when we get more through the gate and getting behind the lads on the pitch."
Hunt spoke further with Waterford FC.ie this week, noting that Anthony Wordsworth and Callum Stringer will miss out while Yassine En-Neyah remains a doubt for selection.
