- Bohemian FC Dublin have won 7, drawn 6 and lost 3 of their 16 home Premier Division 2026 matches, averaging 1.69 goals per game.
- Waterford FC have won 1 and lost 1 of their last 2 away fixtures.
- Bohs have been in patchy form, winning 3 and losing 2 of their last 5 but they did beat Dundalk FC 1-2 away from home in the Premier Division 2026.
Bohs can edge out the Blues again
Bohemian FC Dublin are 3rd in the Premier Division 2026 with 59 points from 33 games and Waterford FC are 8th with 34 points from 32, although the Blues beat Bohs 2-0 on the road in the FAI Cup 2026 just 3 days ago. Friday's game will likely be tight once again as both sides have won 2 and lost 2 of the last 5 meetings, with 1 draw.
It will also be an interesting clash of styles as Alan Reynolds, who has led Bohs since March 2024, prefers a more possession-based 4-2-3-1 structure that is flexible enough to adapt and control the game through the midfield.
Graham Coughlan's no-nonsense Waterford FC prefer to play quickly, in straight lines and with two mobile strikers or a strike partnership to get on the end of their transitions. The direct and more physical Blues will have fresh legs for this game, and their best route to success is to strike fast and use the 2nd balls.
Hosts can control the tempo
Bohs can play a variety of systems, but their preference is to control the pace of the game at home and with a more physical side coming to town, this should suit them. Colm Whelan is the top scorer in the Bohs line-up with 12 goals in 31 appearances in the Premier Division 2026 and is their best outlet for finishing chances.
Ross Tierney has been in good form recently, notching 3 goals in their 8 from the last 5 matches and Benny Couto has provided 3 assists in the same games and is capable of sparkling from the flanks.
Waterford have the Premier Division 2026's best number nine in Tom Lonergan, who has 14 goals from 30 appearances in the league in 2026. He is the one man Bohs must stop.
Waterford's away form has been patchy with 3 wins, 4 draws and 9 losses in 16 away fixtures. The Blues concede 2.19 goals per match on their travels, but we believe Bohs have the firepower to win this one.
