What are Wexford FC’s Chances of Play-off Success?

Wexford FC have had a solid season. It could still get even better.

The club has been on an upward trajectory under manager James Keddy. They had their best-ever finish in his debut year as the boss, leading the club to a fourth-place finish and qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in their history.

This year, they have improved on their quarter-final disappointment when Cobh Ramblers beat them. The club finished third this season following their final-day defeat 6-0 defeat to Cork. Nonetheless, they will be hoping that doesn’t derail the momentum obtained after reaching the playoffs once again.

Wexford’s Playoff Hopes

After their final league standing, Wexford will take on Athlone Town in the playoffs. A victory against the club that finished fourth will take them to the final, where they will hope to advance and potentially play the likes of Derry City, Shelbourne FC and Shamrock Rovers who are all among the leading title contenders to win the League of Ireland Premier Division.

Bookies like the Lottoland Sports betting site have odds available in the leadup to the final league game of the season, with Shamrock Rovers the favourites at 2.31, just ahead of Shelbourne FC (2.65). Derry are further back on 3.40, but still appear to have an outside chance in the final few games left to play.

While fans will be excited about qualifying for the League of Ireland Premier Division, Keddy’s side still has plenty of work to do.

Analyzing Playoff Opponents

Although the playoff games will be completely different from those played in the regular season, it might be possible to use them to see what might happen.

The playoff fixtures are confirmed!

Ticket details on the way soon ⏭️ pic.twitter.com/21V0tsnGJ9
— Wexford FC (@WexfordFC) October 18, 2024

Athlone Town defeated Wexford in the first game and secured a draw in the second. However, the Youths went on to win the next two encounters, both of which were held in August.

Wexford will be heading into it on the back of a 6-0 defeat to Cork, but Athlone will also be reeling from a defeat. Their loss was perhaps embarrassing and something they will seek revenge upon, as the league’s bottom side beat them, Kerry City, 2-0.

What Could Happen if Wexford Beat Athlone Town?

Bray Wanderers or UCD will be waiting for Wexford if they can get through to the playoff final.

Should Wexford be drawn against Bray Wanderers, it might be difficult to predict what might happen between these two sides. In the four games that have been played, Wexford won the first meeting before Bray won the next two. Their most recent meeting ended 0-0 in September.

UCD has been a more favourable opponent for the Youths. Wexford won the first fixture between these two sides this season, although they were beaten a month later. A draw was obtained in August before Wexford won the September final outing between the pair.

Anything Can Happen With Wexford

Given the club’s record against the other playoff sides, they really will have to be up and at it from the start. The results that have been obtained haven’t shown that they can dominate one opponent over the other.

This could make things very interesting from a neutral perspective. However, those who support the club hope they can return to the League of Ireland Premier Division for just the second time in Wexford’s history.

If they do, they’ll want it to be better than their maiden campaign in the top flight, during which they won just six of their games and were relegated straight back to the division they are currently in.