Waterford United vs Shamrock Rovers Predictions

• Waterford have won six of their last seven home games
• Shamrock Rovers have lost three matches in a row in all competitions
• Shamrock Rovers may suffer a Champions League hangover, although they still have a big European game next week

Back the Blues not to lose

Waterford and Shamrock Rovers go into Friday’s Irish Premier Division clash separated by just three points, but the visitors look unlikely to close the gap given their recent run of form.

The defending champions have been struggling this season and currently sit in fifth place, although they have two games in hand on almost all of the clubs above them.

The Hoops’ defensive record has been particularly concerning, with at least two goals conceded in three of their last five away matches across all competitions.

Form looks crystal clear

Waterford, on the other hand, have been in impressive form, especially at home. The Blues have netted 20 goals in 12 home fixtures in the Premier Division this season and should pose a significant threat to Rovers’ rearguard.

Despite the sides’ contrasting form, and the fact that Waterford upset Shamrock Rovers with a 3-1 victory in Dublin the last time they met, the hosts are the underdogs for Friday’s fixture.

This is largely because Waterford will be missing several players due to injuries, including Connor Evans, Sam Sargeant, Kyle White, Rowan McDonald, and Maleace Asamoah.

Rovers may be weary after European clashes

They are also coming off a disappointing 2-0 loss to bottom-placed Drogheda United.

Although Rovers have fewer injury concerns, key attacker Rory Gaffney is a doubt and Stephen Bradley’s side might be fatigued following their midweek Champions League qualifier against Sparta Prague.

All things considered, it still looks worthwhile to oppose the out-of-form champions for the win while a 2-2 draw, given the high-scoring nature of their two previous meetings this year, is playable in correct score markets.