Waterford 1/1 to beat Athlone in Friday’s FAI Cup tie

Competition: FAI Cup

Market: Waterford win

Odds: 1/1 @ 888sport

With a spot in the quarter-finals of this year’s FAI Cup up for grabs this weekend, Waterford will make the trip to the Athlone Town Stadium on Friday night.

Starting with the hosts, while Athlone might have managed to pick up that much-needed 1-0 win against Cabinteely earlier in the month, The Town really failed to build off of that result last time out. Once again showing some real issues at the back, they were hit with a 3-1 drumming at the hands of Shelbourne on home soil. Despite clearly enjoying a better run since their nightmare campaign last season, Adrian Carberry’s men have came crashing back down to earth since their remarkable start to the year. Athlone have managed to record just a pair of First Division wins in any of their last 11 attempts, a run that stems all the way back to April 23rd. Facing what should be another stern test when they turn their attention to FAI Cup duties this weekend, it should be noted that Carberry’s side have mustered just a single point from their last four home fixtures.

As for the visitors, while Waterford might find themselves still scrapping it out in the drop zone, the Premier Division outfit are enjoying what has been a much-needed boost of late. Last seen picking up what was a deserved 1-0 win against Sligo Rovers on home soil, The Blues have recorded back-to-back top-flight wins for the first time this season. Smelling what is a golden chance to keep the mood in their camp at a real high this weekend, Head Coach Marc Bircham will also be boosted by his side’s continued success on the road. Friday’s guests have mustered nine points from their last four Premier Division contests away from the Waterford Regional Sports Centre. Holding a rampant record against Athlone and winning each of the last three meetings, we’re backing a similar outcome here.

Bet: Waterford 1/1 to beat Athlone in Friday’s FAI Cup tie @ 888sport