Monaghan v Cavan Predictions, Betting Tips & Odds [2026]
| Timetable | 19th April, 15:00 GMT |
| Prediction | Monaghan To Win! |
| Odds |
Local bragging rights and a place in an Ulster semi-final are up for grabs as Monaghan and Cavan open their 2026 Ulster Senior Football Championship campaigns when they take on one another at St Tiernach’s Park, Clones, on Sunday, April 19th, at 15:00 GMT. Both sides head into the clash in poor form and will be hoping a victory against the other can spark a revival in their fortunes as they set out on their Championship adventures.
For those curious about what TV channel Monaghan v Cavan is on, BBC Sport NI will be broadcasting the match live as part of their coverage of this year’s championship.
In this preview to the game, we will share with you our Monaghan vs Cavan prediction as well as the latest Monaghan vs Cavan odds, as we look forward to another intriguing Ulster SFC clash.
🏆 Monaghan vs Cavan Prediction
Both teams had their struggles in the league, with Monaghan relegated from Division 1 and Cavan barely surviving in Division 2. They are on the opposite side of the draw to Donegal and Armagh, so whichever team wins on April 19th will have an eye on a potential Ulster Final if they get through to a potential semi-final with Derry or Antrim.
Monaghan were beset by injuries and poor results during the league, but they did at least show something in their final match against Donegal. In that game, Stephen O’Hanlon, Andrew Woods and Dessie Ward came to the fore, with Gabriel Bannigan hoping that trio along with some great servants like Ryan Wylie, Mícheál Bannigan and Jack McCarron can step up and see his team through against Cavan. The prospect of an early exit may just lift the Monaghan team to a level we haven’t seen so far in 2026, and if their big players can raise their game, we could see Monaghan’s first competitive win of the year on April 19th.
It should be a tight battle between two sides low on confidence, but our Monaghan v Cavan prediction is for a Monaghan win.
OUR PREDICTION: 🏆 MONAGHAN TO WIN 🏆
💯 Monaghan vs Cavan Betting Odds
Despite their poor form and relegation from Division 1 of the league, Monaghan are fairly comfortable favourites when we look at the latest Monaghan v Cavan odds. Cavan are unbeaten in their last 3 Championship meetings with Monaghan but are underdogs in what is a pivotal clash for both teams.
Below you will find the latest Monaghan v Cavan odds with a selection of Ireland’s top online betting sites.
✔️ Monaghan vs Cavan Betting Tips
At this stage of our Monaghan v Cavan preview, we are now going to give you some Monaghan v Cavan betting tips that may come in handy for those with some free bet offers to use ahead of the match.
Before having a bet on the match, however, why not check out our bookmaker reviews page? Here, you can find out lots more about any of the betting sites listed.
- Tip 1: Monaghan to win: Monaghan struggled in Division 1 of the league, but so did Cavan in Division 2. Gabriel Bannigan’s team will be smarting from the losses they took in the league and should be hungry to right some of the wrongs against Cavan. If they can, they should have enough in the tank to avoid another defeat and book their place in the last 4 in what should be an incredibly tight affair between the two teams.
To back Monaghan, you can currently get a price of 1.50 with BoyleSports.
- Tip 2: Stephen O’Hanlon to score a goal anytime: O’Hanlon has been one of Monaghan’s best players in recent years, with his ability to carry the ball an enormous attacking weapon for the Monaghan team. If he has the time to carry the ball against Cavan, he could pose serious problems for the Cavan defence, and he is in form having hit the back of the net against Donegal in their final league game.
- Tip 3: Cavan +3 Handicap: Both teams are struggling for form recently, and given the close nature of their last few Ulster SFC meetings, we could be in for a close finish in Clones on April 19th. Monaghan are favoured to get the win in Clones, but how much confidence the Monaghan team will have coming down the stretch remains to be seen. It should be a close game, so if you fancy Cavan +3 you can currently get a price of 1.91 with BoyleSports.
📈 Monaghan Squad Form
Monaghan had a torrid Division 1 National Football League campaign. Gabriel Bannigan’s men finished bottom of the table with no points from their 7 matches. They were also on the end of a few heavy beatings, losing by 14 to Kerry, 12 to Armagh and 19 to Mayo. They ran Donegal close in their last game so that might just give them some confidence ahead of their Ulster opener against Cavan. On the injury front, Bannigan has been dealt a tricky hand this season. Conor McCarthy has yet to play, while the likes of Gary Mohan and Ryan McAnespie also have injury concerns.
⚽ Cavan Squad Form
Cavan were somewhat lucky not to be relegated to Division 3 of the National League, finishing in 6th place on 4 points. Their only wins came against the two relegated teams in Kildare and Offaly, while they lost to the two other Ulster teams in Division 2, Tyrone and Derry. Patrick Lynch was Cavan’s main scoring threat during the league, with Cavan manager Dermot McCabe hoping the likes of Lynch, Dara McVeety, Oisin Brady, Gearoid McKiernan and Ryan Donohue can steer his team through their local rivals into an Ulster semi-final.
👕 Monaghan vs Cavan Predicted Lineups
6-2-6
6-2-6
6-2-6
6-2-6
✒️ Monaghan vs Cavan - H2H Stats
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Liam Lacey
Liam is a sportswriter from County Laois in Ireland who specializes in delivering content on GAA and Football matters (though he does see himself as somewhat of a tennis aficionado also!). Liam has written about All Ireland Gaelic Football and Hurling Championships, Premier League, Champions League and International Football offering expert opinion and match previews and predictions. Occasionally even getting some right!