This fixture is the FAI Cup quarter-final (Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup).

Context

Both sides have spent much of the 2026 League of Ireland Premier Division season near the bottom.

• Waterford (8th, ~32 pts from 29 games) have shown improved form under Graham Coughlan, including a strong home record and a memorable 4-0 league win over Sligo earlier in the season (Padraig Amond hat-trick).
• Sligo Rovers (10th, ~23 pts) remain in a relegation battle and have struggled for consistency, particularly away from home.

The sides met in the league earlier this year with Waterford winning emphatically 4-0 at the RSC. Head-to-head in recent seasons has generally favoured Sligo, but Waterford’s home form and Amond’s experience make them dangerous in a cup setting.

Team News (approximate)

Limited confirmed absences reported in the build-up. Waterford may still be without long-term injury concerns such as Finlay Armstrong. Sligo have dealt with several injuries throughout the campaign (including previous issues for players such as Hakiki and Reynolds).

Prediction

Waterford 2-1 Sligo Rovers

Waterford’s home advantage and greater recent momentum give them the edge in a cup tie that both clubs will treat as high-priority. Expect a competitive, physical contest with the hosts more likely to progress.