Get ready for an exciting Premier Division showdown as Waterford FC gears up to host Bohemian FC on the evening of June 20, 2025. The match kicks off at 20:45 under overcast skies, with temperatures hovering around a pleasant 20°C. This clash promises to be a thrilling contest, featuring two teams on opposite trajectories this season. Waterford FC finds themselves in 8th place on the league table, accumulating 23 points. However, their recent form leaves much to be desired, with just one win in their last five games. In contrast, Bohemian FC arrives in Waterford in second place, armed with a solid 33 points. They’ve secured four wins out of their last five matches, holding a comfortable 10-point lead over Waterford.
Waterford’s recent outings have showcased their offensive capabilities, but also their defensive weaknesses. They’ve experienced two thrilling 2-2 draws against Drogheda United and St. Patrick’s Athletic. Their solitary win came against Galway United. Defensive vulnerabilities have been laid bare as they’ve allowed eight goals in these matches. On the flip side, Bohemian FC boasts an impressive defense. They’ve only conceded one goal in their last five matches, tallying four clean sheets. This defensive resilience, coupled with their stellar form, makes Bohemian FC strong favorites to win this matchup.
Historically, games between these two teams have been intense. Waterford managed a narrow 2-1 victory over Bohemian at Dalymount Park on May 2. This has kept the competitive edge alive in their series, reminding everyone of the grit Waterford can bring to this fixture.
Waterford FC vs Bohemian FC Prediction & Betting Tip
Given Bohemian FC’s recent defensive strength and strong form, they are in the driver’s seat to claim victory in this encounter. Waterford FC will need to tighten up defensively and improve their goal-scoring if they aim to challenge their visitors. Despite past success against Bohemian, the momentum currently favors the team from Dublin. With Bohemian FC showcasing an effective attack and a solid defense resulting in clean sheets, they seem well-equipped to curb Waterford’s forward charges.
Recommended Bet: Bet on Bohemian FC to win, considering their form advantage.
| Recommended Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| Bohemian FC to win | 2.05 |
Waterford FC vs Bohemian FC Odds
Bohemian FC is priced at 2.05 to emerge victorious, highlighting their strong form and perceived advantage on the road. Waterford FC appears as significant underdogs due to their shaky defensive display. The betting market leans heavily toward Bohemian’s attacking prowess counterbalancing Waterford’s fragile defense. With an expected goal-rich game, considering the ‘Over 2.5’ goals market could be worthwhile, given Waterford’s recent goal concessions. Additionally, Bohemian’s recent clean sheet record could make the market for a ‘Bohemian clean sheet’ quite enticing.
| Selection | Odds |
|---|---|
| Bohemian FC to win | 2.05 |
Waterford FC Team Analysis
Waterford FC Recent Performance
Waterford FC has exhibited a mixed bag of performances, recording one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. They scored six goals but conceded eight, with only one clean sheet to their name. Their sole victory came with a 1-0 result against Galway United on May 9. The draws against Drogheda United and St. Patrick’s Athletic reveal potential in attack, but are marred by defensive lapses, while a tight loss to Sligo Rovers on June 14 underscored ongoing challenges at the back. Positioned 8th on the league table, Padraig Amond leads the team’s scoring efforts with six goals.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-06-14 | Sligo Rovers | L 0–1 |
| 2025-05-30 | Drogheda United | D 2–2 |
| 2025-05-23 | St. Patrick’s Athletic | D 2–2 |
| 2025-05-16 | Shamrock Rovers | L 1–3 |
| 2025-05-09 | Galway United FC | W 1–0 |
Waterford FC Key Players
Padraig Amond remains critical at the front with six goals this season, spearheading Waterford’s attack. Tom Lonergan complements him with hold-up play and aerial prowess, key to their strategy. Stephen McMullan, the first-choice goalkeeper, aims to achieve more clean sheets. In defense, Grant Horton offers width and overlapping runs down the left, while Jesse Dempsey is central to organizing at the back. In midfield, Darragh Leahy disrupts opponents, and Sam Glenfield supports transitions with his box-to-box agility. Kyle White brings speed and pressure off the bench for extra impact.
Waterford FC Suspensions & Injuries
Waterford faces challenges with several key players out due to injuries. Matthew Smith remains sidelined with a knock injury, with no return timeline confirmed. Additionally, Trae Coyle and Andrew Boyle are absent with hamstring and calf injuries, reducing midfield rotation depth. Kacper Radkowski continues his ankle injury rehab, impacting defensive options. No suspensions are reported for this fixture. These injuries require tactical tweaks from manager John Coleman, particularly in the backline and midfield rotations.
| Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Smith | Knock injury | Unavailable |
| Trae Coyle | Hamstring Injury | Out |
| Andrew Boyle | Calf injury | Out |
| Kacper Radkowski | Ankle injury | Out |
Waterford FC Tactics and Formation
Waterford FC’s expected setup is a flexible 4-3-3 system. This formation utilizes aggressive full-backs to run with wingers, alongside a robust midfield pivot led by Leahy for defensive shield. Glenfield and Noonan drive the central midfield for advancing play. Up front, Amond’s sharp finishing, with Lonergan’s speed, relies on rapid counter-attacks. Although effective in transitions from defense to attack, they are open to wide areas if full-backs overcommit. Improving set-piece defense is crucial, given recent goals conceded. Against Bohemian’s pressure, starting conservatively might be wise.
Bohemian FC Team Analysis
Bohemian FC Recent Performance
Bohemian FC is in terrific form, winning four of their last five games. Their successful streak includes victories over Cork City (2-0), Derry City (1-0), Shelbourne (1-0), and Sligo Rovers (1-0), all showcasing their robust defense. Their only recent loss was against Drogheda United by a narrow 0-1 margin on May 23. Yet, their consistency in achieving clean sheets demonstrates backline cohesion. They stand firm in 2nd place with 33 points from 19 matches.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-06-13 | Cork City | W 2–0 |
| 2025-05-30 | Derry City | W 1–0 |
| 2025-05-23 | Drogheda United | L 0–1 |
| 2025-05-16 | Shelbourne | W 1–0 |
| 2025-05-10 | Sligo Rovers | W 1–0 |
Bohemian FC Key Players
Colm Whelan leads Bohemian’s attack as their top scorer with four goals. He’s essential to their offensive moves. Goalkeeper Kacper Chorazka commands the box with organizational skills vital for clean sheets. Sean Grehan contributes significantly to their defensive strength, forming the defense’s backbone. Jordan Flores is the midfield maestro, creating and delivering set-pieces well, while Dayle Rooney and Ross Tierney add energy and offensive drive. Dawson Devoy, known for his sharpness in the penalty area, pairs with James Clarke, anchoring their defensive role.
Bohemian FC Suspensions & Injuries
Bohemian faces some injuries but enjoys a suspension-free lineup. Ethon Varian is out with a long-term cruciate injury, affecting attack options. Similarly, Alex Lacey’s hamstring injury hampers defensive coverage, as does Connor Parsons’ absence from a similar ailment in the midfield. Manager Alan Reynolds might need to adjust defensively, but the team remains confident given recent exemplary results.
| Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ethon Varian | Cruciate ligament injury | Long-term |
| Alex Lacey | Hamstring Injury | Out |
| Connor Parsons | Hamstring Injury | Out |
Bohemian FC Tactics and Formation
Bohemian FC is likely to employ a strong 3-5-2 formation, with wing-backs enhancing width and complicating opposing defenses. Their strategy aims to dominate midfield control through James Clarke, McDonnell, and Morahan, focusing on possession and organized build-ups. Flores and Rooney connect plays to Devoy and Tierney for high pressing and swift attacks. Defensive reliability is ensured by a trio consisting of Grehan, Meekison, and Kavanagh. The wing-backs are essential for switching from defense to attack and will likely cause problems with flank overloads. Exploiting set-pieces will be instrumental to break Waterford’s 4-3-3 defensive structure.
Waterford FC vs Bohemian FC Head-to-Head Statistics
In their last five meetings, Waterford held the edge, winning three, while Bohemian claimed one win and one match ended in a draw. Bohemian’s lone recent victory came with a decisive 3-0 triumph at Dalymount Park in March 2025. Waterford won two of their last home games, 3-2 in August 2024 and 2-1 in May 2024, showcasing favorable results at home. In their latest clash on May 2, 2025, Waterford triumphed 2-1 away. Averaging three goals per match, this fixture typically promises open and competitive matches, implying tight outcomes, with the edge to the team enjoying current momentum.
| Date | Fixture | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-05-02 | Bohemian FC vs Waterford FC | 1–2 |
| 2025-03-07 | Bohemian FC vs Waterford FC | 3–0 |
| 2024-10-25 | Waterford FC vs Bohemian FC | 1–1 |
| 2024-08-09 | Waterford FC vs Bohemian FC | 3–2 |
| 2024-05-31 | Waterford FC vs Bohemian FC | 2–1 |
Venue and Weather
The match will be held at Waterford Regional Sports Centre, accommodating 3,100 fans. It is expected to create an energetic atmosphere as both teams face off. The weather looks favorable with mild 20°C temperatures and moderate winds predicted. These conditions are ideal for a flowing game, ensuring minimal weather-induced disruptions. As there’s no rain forecasted, the pitch should be in excellent condition, fostering fast-paced passing strategies and skillful play thanks to its well-kept surface. Fans can look forward to a close-quarters, lively football display from both sides.
