Ballymena United vs Crusaders FC prediction & analysis
87%
Footrivo pick
Ballymena United or draw
Very strong pick · fair odds 1.15 · bookmaker 1.20 · Won ✓
10/10Rating
1.20Odds
1
Value bet: Ballymena United to win @ 1.62 – our chance 67% vs 62% implied by the price (edge +9%). Bigger price, more risk. Won ✓
Quick tips for this match
ResultBallymena United to win ✓67% · @1.62
Double chanceBallymena United or draw ✓87% · @1.20
Both teams scoreBoth teams to score ✓59% · @1.57
GoalsOver 1.5 goals ✓82% · fair 1.23
Correct scoreCorrect score 2–0 ✗11% · fair 9.01
Ballymena United vs Crusaders FC preview and prediction
The match
Ballymena United host Crusaders FC in the Premiership on Saturday 17 October, with kick-off at 15:00 (WAT) at Ballymena Showgrounds. Ballymena United are 9th with 16 points from 13 games (in the bottom half), while Crusaders FC sit 8th on 18 points (in the bottom half). Only 2 points separate the two sides, so there is plenty riding on it.
Form guide
Ballymena United's last 5: LWWDD Most recently they lost to Limavady United 2–3 away. They average 1.5 scored and 1.3 conceded.
Crusaders FC's last 5: LLWLW Most recently they lost to Larne 0–3 at home. They average 1.0 scored and 1.8 conceded.
Head to head
The last meeting, on 15 August 2026, finished Crusaders FC 2–1 Ballymena United. Across their last 2 meetings Ballymena United have won 1, Crusaders FC 1, with 0 draws and 2.5 goals per game; both teams scored in 1 of them.
Goals outlook
Our model expects about 3.1 goals: 2.2 for Ballymena United and 0.9 for Crusaders FC. Expect chances at both ends: over 2.5 sits at 60% and both teams to score at 59%.
Betting angles
Win chances: Ballymena United 67%, draw 20%, Crusaders FC 13%.
Safer route: Ballymena United or draw (87%) at 1.20.
Both teams to score: yes (59%) at 1.57.
Value angle: Ballymena United to win at 1.62 – 67% on our numbers against 62% implied by the price.
Our prediction
Our pre-match pick was Ballymena United or draw – a 87% chance at odds of 1.20, above our fair price of 1.15, so there is value in it. Predicted score: Ballymena United 2–0 Crusaders FC. Bets settle on the 90-minute score. Predictions are estimates, not guarantees – 18+, bet responsibly.
Win chances
Ballymena United67%fair 1.49 · @1.62
Draw20%fair 5.05 · @4.00
Crusaders FC13%fair 7.72 · @4.33
3.10Expected goals
2.22Ballymena United xG
0.88Crusaders FC xG
59%Both score
60%Over 2.5
Most likely scores
2–011%
1–010%
2–110%
1–19%
3–08%
3–17%
From our goals model: Ballymena United 2.2 – 0.9 Crusaders FC expected. Correct scores are long shots even at the top of this list.
What is the prediction for Ballymena United vs Crusaders FC?
Our pick is Ballymena United or draw with a 87% chance, at bookmaker odds of 1.20.
Who will win Ballymena United vs Crusaders FC?
On our numbers Ballymena United have a 67% chance of winning, the draw 20% and Crusaders FC 13%.
How many goals will there be in Ballymena United vs Crusaders FC?
We expect about 3.1 goals. Over 2.5 goals is 60% likely and both teams score 59% of the time on our projection.
What is the predicted score for Ballymena United vs Crusaders FC?
Our predicted score is Ballymena United 2–0 Crusaders FC, the most likely score that fits our pick. We expect about 3.1 goals in total.
When is Ballymena United vs Crusaders FC?
Ballymena United vs Crusaders FC (Premiership) kicks off on Saturday 17 October 2026 at 15:00 (West Africa Time) at Ballymena Showgrounds.
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.
