Galway will take on Waterford on Friday, 12 July in a crunch match in the Irish Premier Division. The match will put two teams in the top half of Ireland's top flight together in a match that could have implications for the title race.
The hosts come into the match in relatively poor form which has seen them slip down to fifth position in the Irish Premier Division. They now trail league leaders, Shelbourne, by 16 points so their aims will now be set on European qualification which means chasing down Waterford.
Waterford, however, have grander plans. Their form is good of late and will still believe they are in the title race despite being ten points off the pace.
Ahead of this match, check out our Galway vs Waterford prediction below.
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Galway vs Waterford prediction: Waterford to build on their momentum
Key stats
- Waterford have won eight of their last eleven matches in the Irish Premier Divison.
- Galway have won just one of their last five league matches.
- None of Waterford's last three matches have seen more than two goals scored.
- Padraig Amond has scored six goals in his last seven matches.
Correct score prediction: Galway 0-1 Waterford
Although Waterford are in great form coming into the match, they haven't won too many matches by a large margin. Their most recent victory was a 1-0 win over St Patricks while their last away win was a 2-0 triumph over Dundalk. They have a rock solid defence so a clean sheet is likely.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Dundalk are expected to win
- HOME: 19/20 (1.95) – 51.3%
- DRAW: 9/4 (3.25) – 30.8%
- AWAY: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Galway vs Waterford odds suggest that Galway are actually the favourites to win this one despite the contrasting form of the two teams. Home advantage and reputation have clearly swayed the bookmakers which makes the 12/5 price on a Waterford victory very appealing.
There are plenty of other good value bets to jump on over the next 24 hours. Check them out via our betting tips for today page.
Last five H2Hs: Advantage Galway
One explanation for the bookies backing Galway to come out on top on Friday night is their recent record against Waterford. They are unbeaten in their last five meetings with them and have won two of the last three. The last time Waterford recorded a victory away at Galway came in November 2022.
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 12/04/24
Waterford FC
Galway United
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 01/03/24
Galway United
Waterford FC
Republic of Ireland First Division 10/10/23
Galway United
Waterford FC
Republic of Ireland First Division 11/08/23
Waterford FC
Galway United
Republic of Ireland First Division 05/05/23
Galway United
Waterford FC
Galway preview: Fighting for Europe
Galway are enjoying a fine season back in the Irish Premier Divison after securing promotion from the second tier last season but as ever with football, they are greedy for further success. The dream of playing in European competition for the first time since 1992 looms large but they need to return to winning ways soon.
Predicted lineup: Clarke (GK), Buckley, O'Keefe, Slevin, Hickey, Brouder, Keohane, Esua, McCarthy, Nugent & Walsh
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 12/04/25
W
Sligo Rovers
1
Galway United
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 04/04/25
L
Shamrock Rovers
1
Galway United
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 28/03/25
W
Bohemians Dublin
0
Galway United
2
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 14/03/25
W
Waterford FC
0
Galway United
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 07/03/25
D
Derry City
1
Galway United
1
Waterford preview: Dreaming of the title
Like Galway, Waterford were also promoted last season and are also enjoying a stunning season back in the top flight. The possibility of winning the Premier Division is very much on the table but they will need to go on a winning run if they are to catch Shelbourne.
Predicted lineup: Sargeant (GK), Radkowski, Power, Horton, Leahy, McCormack, McDonald, McMenamy, Amond, Parsons & Pattison
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 11/04/25
L
Shamrock Rovers
2
Waterford FC
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 04/04/25
L
Drogheda United
2
Waterford FC
0
Republic of Ireland Munster Senior Cup 01/04/25
L
Rockmount
1
Waterford FC
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 28/03/25
L
St Patricks
2
Waterford FC
1
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 14/03/25
L
Galway United
1
Waterford FC
0
Player to watch: Padraig Amond
Padraig Amond has been a revelation for Waterford this season and is a huge reason why they are doing so well in their first season back in the big time. The experienced striker is proving age is but a number as he hunts down Patrick Hoban in the race for the Golden Boot despite being 36 years old.
Hoban has scored five goals in his last six appearances and is on 12 in total for the season. He'll fancy his chances of netting more against a questionable Galway defence.