The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, widely known as the FAI Cup, is one of the oldest and most prestigious football tournaments in the Republic of Ireland. Each season, teams from across the League of Ireland and junior sides compete in knockout rounds, captivating fans with thrilling encounters and unpredictable upsets. For bettors and passionate football enthusiasts, staying updated with FAI Cup fixtures, odds movements, and top betting tips is essential to maximize entertainment and wagering success.
FAI Cup Daily Fixtures & Results: All the Action, Every Day
The FAI Cup schedule is packed with drama from preliminary rounds through to the electrifying final at Aviva Stadium. To ensure you never miss a key match, we provide a daily listing of upcoming fixtures complete with dates, kick-off times, venues, and recent results. Whether you’re following top-flight clubs or the Cinderella stories from lower divisions, our comprehensive fixture table keeps you up to date.
- Live-Updating Fixtures: Match start times, venues, and team line-ups as announced.
- Results & Highlights: Links to match summaries, goals, and major talking points.
- Cup Progression: Bracket tracking to see which teams advance or get eliminated.
Date |
Home Team |
Away Team |
Venue |
Time |
Result |
14 June 2024 |
Shamrock Rovers |
Bohemians |
Tallaght Stadium |
19:45 |
- |
14 June 2024 |
Sligo Rovers |
Cork City |
The Showgrounds |
20:00 |
- |
15 June 2024 |
Dundalk |
St Patrick’s Athletic |
Oriel Park |
19:30 |
- |
15 June 2024 |
Waterford |
Derry City |
Regional Sports Centre |
18:45 |
- |
Schedules may be updated as fixtures are rescheduled or postponed due to weather or cup priorities.
Trends in FAI Cup Odds: Follow the Market and Find Value
FAI Cup betting markets are among the most dynamic in Irish football, with prices for outright winners, match results, goal totals, and special markets shifting daily. Understanding trends in odds movement is crucial for spotting value bets and predicting where late money is going. Here’s how to use odds trends to your advantage:
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Outright Winner Odds:
See which teams are bookmakers’ favourites to lift the FAI Cup and how odds shift after each round.
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Pre-Match Movements:
Track changes in 1X2 odds (home win, draw, away win) as team news and weather updates break.
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Live-In Play Odds:
Monitor real-time changes during games, ideal for hedging or cashing out.
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Special Bets:
Markets for first goalscorer, handicap betting, and cup top scorer.
Latest FAI Cup Winner Odds (Outright Market)
- Shamrock Rovers – 2.60
- St Patrick's Athletic – 3.80
- Derry City – 5.00
- Bohemians – 6.50
- Sligo Rovers – 10.00
Key trend: The odds for underdog teams often shorten rapidly after a giant-killing, especially if they draw favorable ties at home. Bettors should keep a close eye on cup upsets and squad rotations, which drive sharp odds changes.
Expert Betting Tips: Winning Strategies for FAI Cup Matches
The knockout format of FAI Cup football produces plenty of surprises and lucrative betting opportunities. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned punter, our data-driven tips help you make informed wagers. Our strategies leverage team form, historical patterns, and advanced stats to build your edge.
- Assess Cup Motivation: Some mid-table league teams prioritize the cup for silverware and European qualification. Analyze team selections, especially if league survival is secure.
- Home Advantage Counts: Irish grounds can be tough for visitors, especially in early rounds. Back home sides unless strong form suggests otherwise.
- Squad Rotation Awareness: Key FAI Cup fixtures are often scheduled alongside league matches. Check for squad rotation and injuries, particularly among favorites.
- Follow Lower-League Teams: Non-league and First Division teams sometimes produce upsets, particularly when hosts. Watch for strong home form and cup pedigree.
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): FAI Cup ties are known for attacking play and defensive lapses. The BTTS market often offers value in later rounds.
- Watch for Extra-Time & Penalty Value: In cup matches, draw odds can be appealing with the potential for extra time. Some bookies offer specific markets for outcome after 120 minutes or penalties.
Today’s Top FAI Cup Betting Tips
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Shamrock Rovers vs Bohemians:
- Tip: Over 2.5 Goals – Both sides possess attacking threats; cup derbies often produce high scoring affairs.
- Value Bet: Bohemians Double Chance – A recent form resurgence and derby motivation boost their chances.
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Sligo Rovers vs Cork City:
- Tip: Home Win – Sligo’s strong cup form and home record give them an edge.
- Value Bet: BTTS Yes – Both teams average 1.2+ goals in previous five fixtures.
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Dundalk vs St Patrick's Athletic:
- Tip: Draw – Both teams closely matched with a history of deadlock in cup meetings.
FAI Cup Competition Overview: Stakes and Structure
The FAI Cup, established in 1921, is open to League of Ireland Premier Division and First Division clubs, as well as intermediate and junior sides. The tournament structure fosters unpredictable matchups and regular giant-killings, making it a highlight of the Irish football calendar and a magnet for bettors seeking underdog value.
- Preliminary Rounds: Junior and intermediate clubs face off for a shot at the big time.
- Main Draw: League clubs and successful lower-tier teams collide in knockout rounds.
- Quarterfinals & Semifinals: Intensity rises as clubs target the Aviva Stadium showdown.
- Final: Date and time confirmed at the start of each season, usually November.
2024 Key Dates: FAI Cup Calendar
Stage |
Scheduled Date |
First Round |
June 2024 |
Second Round |
July 2024 |
Quarterfinals |
September 2024 |
Semifinals |
October 2024 |
Final |
November 2024 (Aviva Stadium) |
Popular FAI Cup Betting Markets & Stats to Watch
The unique challenges of cup football create a range of betting markets, with plenty of options beyond the traditional win-draw-win. Irish football punters can benefit by following both team and individual statistics throughout the competition.
- To Win Outright: Back your pick to lift the trophy at the Aviva Stadium finale.
- Match Winner (1X2): The core market for every cup match.
- Goals Over/Under: Assess attacking and defensive stats; many matches trend above 2.5 goals.
- Both Teams To Score: Especially valuable in open, high-stakes encounters.
- Handicap Markets: Useful when favorites play lower league opposition.
- Cards & Corners: Cup matches often see increased intensity, leading to more bookings and corners.
Vital FAI Cup Betting Stats 2024
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Average Goals per Game: 2.78 (2023 FAI Cup)
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Home Win Percentage: 54%
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BTTS Rate: 57%
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Draws after 90 Minutes: 26% of ties required extra time or penalties in the last five years.
How to Bet Responsibly on FAI Cup Matches
FAI Cup betting can be highly rewarding, but it’s crucial to bet responsibly by managing your bankroll and staying informed. Follow these core principles for a sustainable approach:
- Set a fixed bet amount per match and stick to your staking plan.
- Research team news and recent form before placing any wager.
- Use cash out and in-play options when appropriate to lock in profits or minimize losses.
- Avoid chasing losses—there’s always another round or season!
- Only bet with licensed, reputable sportsbooks that cover the FAI Cup.
Stay Updated: FAI Cup News, Injury Reports & Suspensions
Staying ahead of the curve in FAI Cup betting means keeping on top of all relevant news. Squad updates, injuries, suspensions, and coaching changes can have a decisive impact on outcomes.
- Monitor official club announcements and reliable Irish football sources.
- Review match previews for detailed injury and lineup information.
- Track yellow/red card suspensions, particularly for key defensive players.
- Check for weather conditions and pitch changes that may affect play.
Frequently Asked Questions: FAI Cup Football & Betting
- What is the FAI Cup?
- The FAI Cup is the main national knockout football competition in the Republic of Ireland, open to both professional and selected amateur clubs.
- What do FAI Cup winners receive?
- Winners qualify for European competition (UEFA Europa Conference League) and earn national glory with a place in Irish football history.
- Where can I find the latest FAI Cup fixtures and betting odds?
- Check this page daily for live fixtures updates and real-time odds from major bookmakers.
- Are there upsets in the FAI Cup?
- Yes – the open draw and knockout format regularly deliver shocks, especially with strong non-league clubs involved in early rounds.
Useful Resources for FAI Cup Fans and Bettors