Waterford FC vs Shamrock Rovers FC Best odds and tips

Shamrock Rovers have dominated this fixture in recent times, and the Hoops will be looking to continue their dominance over Waterford FC when they travel this Friday. Stephen Bradley’s side have won 4 of the last 5 meetings between the sides, including a 2-0 victory in the Premier Division 2025 just 4 weeks ago. Rovers are the top of the table team with 26 points from 15 games, while Waterford are 7th with 21 points, so it’s no surprise to see the visitors priced as the clear favourites for this one at 1.62, with Waterford available at 3.96 to claim a win and the draw at 3.90. Waterford have been in fine form of late, however, and they’ll be looking to cause an upset this Friday night. Matt Lawlor took over as manager on April 20th, 2025 and his side have immediately taken on a more resilient character, while they’ve also been more efficient in the final third in recent weeks. Their last 3 matches have seen them beat Bohemian FC 1-2 away, Shelbourne 0-1 away and Galway United 1-0 at home, and they have won 2 of their last 2 home fixtures in the Premier Division 2025. However, Waterford have failed to win any of their last 2 home fixtures against Shamrock Rovers, and they’ll be hard-pressed to do so this Friday night.

Rovers have won 2 and drawn 3 of their 7 away matches in the Premier Division 2025, conceding 8 goals in total. Waterford have won 3 and lost 4 of their 7 home fixtures, scoring an average of 0.86 goals per game and conceding an average of 1.71, so they’re likely to be exposed defensively in this one. Waterford FC are a direct, counter-attacking team who have been very efficient in transition in recent weeks, with Conan Noonan (3 assists in last 5 games) their key man in terms of driving the team forward. Rovers are a possession-based side who build attacks from the back and press high up the pitch to force turnovers in the opposition’s half, so this should be an interesting tactical battle, with the midfield likely to be the main battlefield. Graham Burke is the joint-leading scorer for Rovers with 4 goals in 15 Premier Division 2025 appearances, and he’s always a threat in the final third. Rovers are the better team, have the psychological edge in this fixture and are priced as the clear favourites, so they should come out on top. However, Waterford are on a hot streak and have been more dangerous in the final third in recent weeks, so backing both teams to score could be the way to go alongside the away win. Padraig Amond is Waterford FC's top scorer with 4 goals in the Premier Division 2025, so back him to find the net at any time against Shamrock Rovers FC this Friday.