Expect Sligo to line up in a 4-4-2, the shape Purse has favoured. They will try to make the Showgrounds a fortress, but their confidence is shot. The midfield will be a dogfight, with Daire Patton and Cian Kavanagh likely to sit behind Luke Pearce, who leads the line. They will look to go direct, get the ball into the box early, and feed off second balls. But without a recognised playmaker — Archie Meekison is suspended after that red card against Drogheda — they lack the craft to unlock a stubborn defence.

Waterford will set up in a 4-2-3-1, with Benny Couto expected to slot in at left-back in place of the injured Finlay Armstrong. They will sit in a mid-block, absorb pressure, and hit on the break. The double pivot will screen the back four, forcing Sligo wide, where they are least dangerous. Waterford's wide men will tuck in, making the pitch small, and they will look to spring quick transitions through the half-spaces. This is a classic away-day setup: disciplined, patient, and ruthless on the counter.