Timetable | 25th May, 16:00 GMT |
Prediction | Cork To Win |
Odds | |
Bookmaker | Lunubet Sports |
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Cork started this season as favourites for All-Ireland glory but the Rebels cause took a hefty blow last Sunday as Limerick delivered a statement performance, dismissing Pat Ryan's Cork side by 16 points. On the same afternoon, Waterford came up short against Tipperary in Thurles as they also got a reality check, dispatched in the end by nine points against a Premier County outfit seemingly growing in confidence all the time.
Despite the chastening nature of their defeat to Limerick the early Cork v Waterford odds show the Rebels are strongly expected to get back on track with victory by the banks of the River Lee. A bumper Sunday of hurling from Munster and Leinster lies in store and there are some appealing free bets for punters hoping to achieve some GAA betting profits.
🏆 Cork vs Waterford Prediction
Few would have predicted the hammering that awaited Cork in the Gaelic Grounds last weekend. It was a vintage performance from John Kiely's Limerick and a major warning to any side hoping to prevent them from achieving a seventh straight Munster SHC this season. Cork looked shell shocked at times, with the movement of the Limerick forwards causing them unprecedented problems as they failed to match the stunning passing, accurate shooting and superb work ethic of their hosts.
Waterford were fancied by many to turn over Tipperary in Semple Stadium but the Deise came up well short in the end after heaping pressure on Tipp midway through the second half with six unanswered points in seven minutes to level the contest up. Ultimately they just didn't have the nous to get over the line. Waterford’s hopes of progressing from the Munster round-robin for the first time now come down to a final-round trip to face a wounded Cork, a less than enviable challenge. Cork's status as favourites is secure with the best betting sites and Ryan's charges should respond well to their Limerick woes.
OUR PREDICTION: ⚡ CORK TO WIN
Video Summary
Watch our expert video breakdown for key stats, tactical insights, and the final verdict on all match-ups for the weekend.
💯 Cork vs Waterford Betting Odds
Cork are hefty favourites at a price of 1.25 at DirectionBet to secure the win. Cork know that a draw will be enough to see them advance to the All-Ireland series in third place, while a win by three or more points should set up a Munster final rematch with Limerick. The early season optimism around Cork has dissipated to some degree following just one Munster Hurling Championship win in three attempts but it is too soon to be writing off the Rebels.
✔️ Cork v Waterford Betting Tips
Cork have to answer back after being so ruthlessly dismissed by Limerick last weekend. A Munster final rematch would give Pat Ryan and his charges a chance to redress the balance to some degree or another, with both counties having their eyes on the big prize as the summer goes on and the race for the Liam McCarthy cup really heats up. There could even be a Limerick vs Cork trilogy before July is out. For now, Cork know that a Munster final berth awaits if they can achieve a solid win back at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in front of their own followers. They can see off Waterford and do so by overcoming a five-point handicap.
Patrick Horgan was one of the few bright spots for Cork at the Gaelic Grounds. He scored 1-09 and was very accurate with his frees. He might have had a second goal only for the reflexes of Nickie Quaid in the first half. Now at the ripe age of 37, Horgan has been a core member of the Rebels setup since 2008. He shows few signs of slowing down and can get into double figures for the second Sunday in succession.
Under 2.5 goals could be a shrewd inclusion in our Cork v Waterford betting tips. Tipperary sub Oisin O'Donoghue found the Waterford net in the 68th minute last weekend with a deft finish, the first goal the Deise had conceded in the Championship this year. No goals were scored in the Waterford vs Limerick contest at the start of the month, while Waterford have only scored three goals in three so far in their Munster journey. As you consider our selections why not consider out extensive bookmaker reviews for the best options for your GAA betting.
- Tip 1: Cork -5 points: Cork were given a stark reminder by Limerick last weekend how high the bar can be set. Waterford tended to concede scores in clusters against Tipperary. The Rebels should win this comfortably.
- Tip 2: Patrick Horgan over 9.5 points: He's not getting any younger but Patrick Horgan remains a potent weapon for Cork and he saved them from further embarrassment in Limerick by scoring 1-09.
- Tip 3: Under 2.5 goals: Waterford have only conceded one goal in the Munster Championship so far and they've raised three green flags in three games. Our Cork v Waterford prediction is for those trends to continue.
⚽ Clare Squad Form
Clare has struggled in this year’s Munster Championship as the defending All-Ireland champions and could be already eliminated from the Championship by the time they take to the field at the Gaelic Grounds on May 25th. They are heavily dependent on other results going their way in Rounds 4 and 5 if they hope to survive in this year's Championship. However, what they can control is securing a victory against Limerick in Round 5 on May 31st. To have any chance of surviving, they must win that match.
Brian Lohan has faced numerous injury challenges during this year’s competition, but he was able to bring on Shane O'Donnell, David Fitzgerald, and John Conlon in their last game against Tipperary. If Clare still has something to play for when they face Limerick, they will need all their key players fit and ready to compete.
🎯 Waterford Squad Form
Waterford drafted in Michael Kiely and Gavin Fives for Patrick Curran and Patrick Fitzgerald last weekend in Thurles but Peter Queally's side couldn't land a crucial win. Instead, Tipp bagged their first win over the Deise in the Championship since 2019.
Stephen Bennett surpassed Paul Flynn as the Deise’s all-time Championship top scorer in that loss and he finished with 1-09 to his name. Early points from Kiely, Jamie Barron, and Kevin Mahony had Waterford leading by five points but they couldn't sustain that bright start. Now they know only a win on Leeside will be enough to advance from the Munster round robin.
👕 Cork v Waterford Predicted Lineups
6-2-6
6-2-6
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6-2-6
Cork vs Waterford - H2H Stats
The Cork v Waterford H2H stats down the years show that this is a rivalry dominated by the Leesiders, though the last 4 Munster SHC clashes have been split .The Deise won in Walsh Park last April but they'll have a job on to repeat the feat now with Cork amongst the favourites for All-Ireland glory this season. With the meeting of Limerick and Clare also at 4pm on Sunday, punters may be pondering what channel is Cork v Waterford on? The only place to see this one is inside SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Enda McElhinney
Enda McElhinney is an Irish-based sportswriter, specialising in written content on the GAA, horse racing and football. He has more than a decade of experience across many publications, bringing a wealth of knowledge and betting nous to his craft. You'll find his content featured on many websites, including The Telegraph and Planet Sport. When he isn't at this desk or the racecourse, he loves to unwind on the golf course – though sometimes that can be more stressful than working!