Galway United make the trip to the RSC, where a loss for either side could result in relegation.
The final round of Premier Division fixtures still has a lot left to be decided. Waterford and Galway United along with Sligo Rovers all sit level on points, with Waterford sat in the relegation playoff position due to an inferior goal difference.
The Blues will need a result on Saturday afternoon to avoid the prospect of going down to the First Division, two years after being promoted.
Matt Lawlor’s men will have the advantage of playing in front of their home support and the additional benefit of John Caulfield’s side having played on Wednesday night, in a defeat to Shamrock Rovers.
Previous Meetings
25/07/25 – Galway United 2-4 Waterford
09/05/25 – Waterford 1-0 Galway United
14/03/25 – Galway United 1-0 Waterford
Key Players
Waterford need goals, and there aren’t many better sources than Padraig Amond. The 37-year-old has significantly overperformed his xG, scoring 11 league goals from an xG of 8.28. If Amond is at his best, he’ll only need a handful of chances to keep Waterford in the Premier Division.
Similarly, another player who has proven to be one of the finest assets the league has to offer over a long career is Brendan Clarke. Galway United need just a draw to ensure safety, and a strong defensive performance from Caulfield’s side will secure that.
Key Statistics
Both sides were promoted to the Premier Division in 2023, and in all seven of their meetings since then, there have been at least five yellow cards shown.
Waterford have conceded the first goal in five of their last seven matches but have also scored in six of their last seven.
There have been two goals or fewer scored in seven of Galway United’s last eight matches, with three goals coming in a 2-1 win over Cork City at Eamon Deacy Park.
Team News
Jordan Rossiter, Finlay Armstrong and Adam Coyne will all be out through injury for Waterford. However there is the positive of Matty Smith returning to full fitness for the season finale.
Dara McGuiness picked up an injury against Drogheda United last week, so will likely be absent from the first team squad. Greg Cunningham was an unused substitute against Shamrock Rovers, so there is hope he will return to the pitch sooner than expected.
Key Information
Kick Off: 16:30
Where to Watch: LOITV
Betting Odds: Waterford FC @9/5, Draw @11/5, Galway United @5/4
Referee: Paul McLaughlin