August 2nd: Friday’s Irish Double – 3/1 Special, Betting Tips & Predictions

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19:45 Dundalk vs Galway 19:45 Waterford vs Shamrock Rovers Friday’s Irish Double

With the return of Europe’s elite now just around the corner, clubs from across the continent are putting together their final summer preparations.

While Scottish giants Rangers might open the 2023/24 Premiership campaign this weekend, it will be Ireland’s top-flight that steals most of Friday’s headlines.

With a trio of Premier Division showdowns on the cards throughout Friday night, we have taken a look at some of the most appealing Irish betting markets.

19:45 Dundalk vs Galway

Enduring what has been a major Premier Division nightmare this season, Dundalk certainly face what is a real six-pointer on Friday night. At the heart of a relegation scrap and opening up this weekend’s fixtures sat four points adrift of safety, the Lilywhites will have plenty of pressure when they return to Oriel Park here. However, despite mustering just a single victory from any of their previous five Premier Division matchups, Jon Daly’s side will be excited by their recent success on home soil. Last seen in front of their own supporters securing an action-packed 4-2 victory against Drogheda, Dundalk have suffered just a single defeat at Oriel Park from any of their last 10 matchups across all competitions. With that purple patch stemming all the way back to March 4th, Daly’s men will know the importance of making a statement here.

Making an immediate return to winning ways last week as they fell to a routine 2-0 defeat at the hands of Sligo Rovers, Galway are desperately seeking some much-needed stability. Signing off June with another 2-0 loss away at title contenders Shelbourne, the Tribesman have recorded just a pair of victories from any of their previous seven Premier Division appearances. Almost sat in top-flight limbo, Friday’s guests have also gained an unwanted reputation for their glaring issues on the road. Including a 2-0 defeat against Derry City last month, Galway have lost all of their last four consecutive matchups away from Eamonn Deacy Park by an aggregate score of 9-1. It should also be highlighted, John Caulfield’s side have collected just a single victory at Oriel Park since way back in June 2005.

Betting Tip: Dundalk draw no bet @ 6/5 with Pribet

19:45 Waterford vs Shamrock Rovers

Only continuing on what has been a sensational flurry since making their Premier Division return, Waterford remarkably find themselves battling it out in the European chase. Despite falling to a 1-0 loss away at Drogheda last time out, the Blues have won eight of their previous 14 appearances across all competitions and have also collected some heavyweight scalps. Extending on their FAI Cup adventure thanks to a 2-1 victory against Cockhill on July 17th, Keith Long’s men will also be excited by their continued success on home soil. Including a thumping 4-1 romp against Sligo Rovers last month, Waterford have remarkably won six of their last seven showdowns in front of their own supporters – a run that stems back to April 26th. Likewise, landing a stunning 3-1 romp when they last met the defending champions on May 6th, Long’s side will be looking for a repeat display here.

Although Shamrock might have secured a fourth consecutive Premier Division crown last season, the Irish heavyweights have come crashing back down to earth this time around. Watching their Champions League qualifying adventure come to an abrupt end earlier in the week as they fell to a 6-2 aggregate defeat against Sparta Prague, Friday’s guests have now lost all of their previous three appearances across all competitions. Suffering a major FAI Cup upset on July 19th as they suffered a 1-0 loss away at Bohemians, Stephen Bradley’s downbeat squad have also won just a pair of their last eight matchups. Failing to register consecutive victories since the middle of April, it should also be highlighted that Shamrock have lost four of their last five showdowns away from the Tallaght Stadium. Already sat 13 points adrift in the title chase, Bradley’s side could face a tough challenge here.

Betting Tip: Waterford double chance @ 11/10 with Luckster