- Shamrock Rovers FC are at the top of the Premier Division 2026 table with 56 points from 30 games, Waterford FC are in eighth with 33 points from 30 matches.
- Stephen Bradley has been in charge of Shamrock Rovers since November 2016 and has built them around a possession-first, positional game.
Shamrock Rovers are still the best in Ireland
Shamrock Rovers should have no trouble defeating a Waterford side that they have already beaten twice this season when these two clubs meet at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.
The Hoops are coming into the game in mixed form, having failed to win in their last five matches across all competitions (D3, L2), but they are at their most potent when in possession.
At home, in the Premier Division 2026, Stephen Bradley's men have been as close to perfect as it's possible to be all season, losing just one of their last 14 matches there (W10, D3, L1).
Waterford are coming into the match in good form after going unbeaten in their last five (W3, D2) across all current competitions. Graham Coughlan has made the Blues a much more direct, high-pressing side since he arrived in May 2026 and they can nick the odd goal on the road, as they have averaged 1.33 per game on their travels in the Premier Division 2026 this term.
However, Shamrock Rovers average 1.79 per game at home and they will try to lock Waterford into their half and limit their ability to counter-attack in the transition phase.
We believe Waterford will make it a scrappy affair and they certainly won't sit back and give the ball away, but the odds still reflect the favourites correctly as they are priced at 43/100 with Waterford 271/50 and the draw 18/5.
A Shamrock Rovers win to nil does look the way to go as it still reflects the favourites tag and the head-to-head history.
Tom Lonergan is the real threat they have going forward as he has scored 14 times in 28 Premier Division 2026 appearances this term and he can exploit any error in transition from The Hoops.
