- Waterford FC are the clear favourites ahead of this game at 41/100.
- Waterford FC are unbeaten in 5 and on a 2-match winning streak (W3, D2).
Athlone Town FC can’t expect a good welcome
Waterford FC are the undeniable form favourites at 41/100 ahead of this Friday's FAI Cup 2026 clash with Athlone Town FC, who are priced at 119/25. The draw is 17/5, which looks about right if we are honest.
Since being appointed on the 6th of May 2026, Graham Coughlan has seemingly had a great impact on Waterford FC, who look to be a more pragmatic club these days. The Waterford boss has been mixing and matching his favoured 4-3-1-2 shape with a more rigid 4-4-2, whilst the Blues are now seemingly more potent when played through the middle and have been spiking in tempo late on.
Padraig Amond has been a threat throughout, notching three of his side's seven goals across the last five matches, and they seem to have a focal point up top, which they didn't always have previously. Athlone Town FC are another side who have played through the centre of the pitch, but Sean O'Connor has built a squad identity on organised blocks, the pressure from wide and a real threat from set pieces.
The clash of Waterford's overloading central players versus Athlone's more flank-based service should make for a cup classic, but the momentum is really with Waterford FC, who are at home after a 0-0 draw away to Galway United, a 1-0 win at home to Shelbourne FC and a 3-1 win at home to Bohemian FC Dublin.
Waterford can outscore Athlone
Across all competitions, Waterford FC have gone 6-3-1 across their last 10, while Athlone have posted a less impressive 3-3-4 record, which leads us to believe that the hosts have the capability to control this encounter. In the context of this cup, Waterford's home advantage looks more tangible, as Athlone are yet to win any of their four games away from home (D0, L4), while averaging just 0.75 goals per-game on the road.
We're sticking with the home side to continue their momentum with a victory on Friday night, although Athlone's history of upsetting the home sides in this cup clash stops us from going full tilt. The alternative to the 1X2 market that best fits the script is Waterford FC to win and under 3.5 goals, as they should be able to edge a controlled contest at the regional stronghold.
