- Team form: Dundalk are unbeaten in their last 5 matches (W4, D1).
- Away form: Waterford haven't won in their last 2 away games (D1, L1).
- Head-to-head: Dundalk FC average 2.50 goals scored and 1.00 goals conceded per game across their last 5 home head-to-head matches.
An epic Irish clash at Oriel Park
Dundalk come into this game as hot favorites at 1.49, and rightfully so after a run of 4 wins and a draw across their last 5 competitive matches. Ciaran Kilduff's side have been rock solid since the ex-Shamrock Rovers boss took the reigns back in November 2024, helping to establish the Lilywhites in a top-three position as a promoted side with 35 points from 21 games this Premier Division 2026 campaign.
After back-to-back away wins and a 2-1 home win over Derry City, Dundalk will be looking to consolidate their top-three standing with a win on Friday.
The hosts average 1.80 goals per game scored and just 1.00 goals per match conceded at home in the Premier Division 2026, indicating their solid home form is built on strong defensive foundations and consistent attacking output.
Waterford are in 10th in the Premier Division 2026 table after picking up just 14 points from 21 matches so far this campaign. Graham Coughlan was appointed as Waterford's head coach in May 2026, and he has had a challenging start, charged with the responsibility of rebuilding Waterford's defensive solidity and overseeing a short-term survival push.
The Blues come into this clash having won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five matches. Waterford won 4-0 at home to Sligo Rovers last time out, but they were beaten 2-0 away by Shamrock Rovers before that, indicating the potential chasm between their home and away performances.
Dundalk to take all three points
Head-to-head and stakes
After a thrilling 3-3 draw at Waterford FC's ground six weeks ago in the Premier Division 2026, both Dundalk and Waterford will be desperate to take all 3 points in this clash. Across the last three head-to-heads, each team has won once and there has been one draw (W2, D1), but we're backing Dundalk to win this one.
Tactical preview
Kilduff has certainly impressed during his short time in charge of the Lilywhites, getting the best out of his squad in their 4-2-3-1 system which allows his players to flood the wings and attack with numbers in the transitions. Coughlan has adopted a much more conservative and pragmatically solid system since taking over Waterford, which will leave them vulnerable to Dundalk's style.
Lonergan to lead the Blues at the front
Key player and markets
Tom Lonergan has scored eight goals in 19 Premier Division 2026 appearances this campaign, and he's hit form with three goals across his last five appearances. Lonergan has been responsible for a third of Waterford's goals across their last nine matches, and we're going for the forward to score on Friday night.
The over 2.5 goals market looks like a good bet at 1.44, and Dundalk's home matches have averaged 2.80 total goals this Premier Division 2026 season, while Waterford have conceded an average of 2.80 goals away from home, shipping 28 across ten games.
Dundalk's average of 2.50 scored and 1.00 conceded per home game against Waterford further justifies this selection.
