Prediction for match Shelbourne — Waterford

Match Analysis: Shelbourne vs Waterford

In the Irish Premier Division on May 22, Shelbourne will face Waterford. According to the 1X2 odds, bookmakers clearly favor Shelbourne: a win for them is priced at 1.33, a draw at 5.10, and a Waterford victory at 8.30. The probabilities of these outcomes are distributed as follows: Shelbourne - 70.37%, draw - 18.35%, Waterford - 11.28%. This reflects a significant advantage for Shelbourne in expectations; however, both teams have been showing high-scoring performances in recent matches. Options for totals and both teams to score also have interesting odds, allowing for different betting approaches.

Team Results and Statistics

In their last five matches, Shelbourne has shown consistency: they defeated St Patrick's Athletic 1-0 (15.05.2026), drew 0-0 with Sligo Rovers (08.05.2026), and had a 2-2 draw with Bohemians (04.05.2026). Waterford, in their last three matches, won against Drogheda United 2-1 (18.05.2026), drew 2-2 with Derry City (15.05.2026), and lost to St Patrick's Athletic 1-4 (08.05.2026). Over their last five matches, Shelbourne averages 47.2% possession, receives 3.6 yellow cards, commits 10.8 fouls, and records 2.4 offsides per game. Waterford lags in possession with 39%, receives 2.6 yellows, commits 13.4 fouls, and records 2 offsides. In their last head-to-head on February 6, 2026, the teams drew 1-1 at Waterford's ground.

How Many Goals to Expect?

Both teams have maintained high scoring in recent matches. Over their last five games, Shelbourne averages 3 goals per match, with 1.6 scored and 1.4 conceded. Waterford is even more prolific: 3.8 goals on average per game, with 1.6 scored and 2.2 conceded. For the over 2.5 goals market, Shelbourne has seen 3 out of 5 matches go over, while Waterford has 4 out of 5. In terms of halves, Shelbourne has seen over 1.5 goals in the second half 3 times out of 5, and 2 times in the first half. Waterford also shows an over-profile: over 1.5 goals in the second half 3 times out of 5, and in the first half 3 times out of 5. Shelbourne most frequently scores between the 76th and 90th minutes (50%) and concedes most often between the 61st and 75th minutes (33%). Waterford scores most frequently in two intervals: 46-60 and 76-90 minutes (33% each), and concedes most often at the very start - 0-15 minutes (43%). All this suggests a high probability of a high-scoring match from both sides, and a bet on over 2.5 goals at 1.57 seems justified given the stats and average totals.

Corners: Numbers and Possible Bets

In terms of average corners per match, Shelbourne records 6.6, and Waterford 4.8, totaling 11.4. In a series of five matches, Shelbourne's total corners over 9.5 occurred once, and Waterford's twice. Among available totals for corners, the 9.5 line is closest to the average sum, with both outcomes represented: over 9.5 corners at 1.68, under 9.5 at 2.05. It's also notable that no favorite emerges in the corners market. Considering both teams' average figures, a bet on over 9.5 corners seems logical, especially given the attacking profile of both teams and their activity in recent matches. However, it's worth noting that the frequency of this total being surpassed isn't very high, but the average values support the over bet.