Crusaders FC vs Ballymena United prediction & analysis
79%
Footrivo pick
Over 1.5 goals
Very strong pick · fair odds 1.27 · bookmaker 1.20 · Won ✓
9/10Rating
1.20Odds
2
Value bet: Ballymena United to win @ 1.83 – our chance 63% vs 55% implied by the price (edge +16%). Bigger price, more risk. Lost ✗
Quick tips for this match
ResultBallymena United to win ✗63% · @1.83
Double chanceEither team to win ✓87% · @1.20
Both teams scoreBoth teams to score ✓59% · @1.57
GoalsOver 1.5 goals ✓79% · @1.20
Correct scoreCorrect score 0–1 ✗10% · fair 10.02
Crusaders FC vs Ballymena United preview and prediction
The match
Crusaders FC host Ballymena United in the Premiership on Saturday 15 August, with kick-off at 15:00 (WAT) at Seaview. Crusaders FC are 8th with 18 points from 15 games (in the bottom half), while Ballymena United sit 9th on 16 points (in the bottom half). Only 2 points separate the two sides, so there is plenty riding on it.
Form guide
Crusaders FC's last 5: LWDLW Most recently they lost to Cliftonville FC 1–2 away. At home they have won 2 and lost 0 of their last 4. They average 1.2 scored and 0.8 conceded. 3 clean sheets in that run show a solid defence.
Ballymena United's last 5: WDDWW Most recently they beat Linfield 3–0 away. On the road they have won 3 and lost 0 of their last 6. They are scoring freely – 2.5 goals a game.
Ballymena United arrive in clearly the better form, averaging 2.0 points a game against 1.3.
Head to head
The last meeting, on 17 February 2026, finished Ballymena United 2–0 Crusaders FC.
Goals outlook
Our model expects about 3.0 goals: 1.0 for Crusaders FC and 2.0 for Ballymena United. Expect chances at both ends: over 2.5 sits at 57% and both teams to score at 59%.
Betting angles
Win chances: Crusaders FC 23%, draw 13%, Ballymena United 63%.
Both teams to score: yes (59%) at 1.57.
Value angle: Ballymena United to win at 1.83 – 63% on our numbers against 55% implied by the price.
Our prediction
Our pre-match pick was Over 1.5 goals – a 79% chance at odds of 1.20. Predicted score: Crusaders FC 1–1 Ballymena United. Bets settle on the 90-minute score. Predictions are estimates, not guarantees – 18+, bet responsibly.
Win chances
Crusaders FC23%fair 4.26 · @3.50
Draw13%fair 7.67 · @3.70
Ballymena United63%fair 1.58 · @1.83
2.98Expected goals
1.02Crusaders FC xG
1.96Ballymena United xG
59%Both score
57%Over 2.5
Most likely scores
1–110%
0–110%
1–210%
0–210%
1–36%
0–36%
From our goals model: Crusaders FC 1.0 – 2.0 Ballymena United expected. Correct scores are long shots even at the top of this list.
What is the prediction for Crusaders FC vs Ballymena United?
Our pick is Over 1.5 goals with a 79% chance, at bookmaker odds of 1.20.
Who will win Crusaders FC vs Ballymena United?
On our numbers Crusaders FC have a 23% chance of winning, the draw 13% and Ballymena United 63%.
How many goals will there be in Crusaders FC vs Ballymena United?
We expect about 3.0 goals. Over 2.5 goals is 57% likely and both teams score 59% of the time on our projection.
What is the predicted score for Crusaders FC vs Ballymena United?
Our predicted score is Crusaders FC 1–1 Ballymena United, the most likely score that fits our pick. We expect about 3.0 goals in total.
When is Crusaders FC vs Ballymena United?
Crusaders FC vs Ballymena United (Premiership) kicks off on Saturday 15 August 2026 at 15:00 (West Africa Time) at Seaview.
Analysis by the Footrivo model, blended with bookmaker prices. Kick-off times shown in your local time. Predictions are estimates, not guarantees – 18+, please bet responsibly.
