Crusaders FC vs Ballymena United
Seaview, Belfast · Capacity 3,383 · grass · Referee: N. Devlin
Match events
- 10'I. Rutkowski
- 28'D. McCallion
- 42'O. Wardell
- 1.7
- Goals/game
- 1.5
- 1.8
- Conceded/game
- 1.4
AI match analysis
Predicted score: 1-2
The analysis suggests that Ballymena United enters this match in a strong position, having recently won against Linfield and currently sitting at the top of the league. Meanwhile, Crusaders FC struggled in their opener and have a mixed recent history against Ballymena, although they've claimed three wins in their last five meetings. The numbers favor Ballymena for this matchup, reflecting their superior form and standings.
- Ballymena United currently top the league standings with 3 points from 1 match played.
- Crusaders FC are coming off a recent loss with no points in their first match.
- Historically, Crusaders FC have won 3 out of the last 5 matches against Ballymena United, but recent form favors Ballymena.
- Ballymena United's away form includes a strong 3-0 victory against Linfield.
Confidence is high because the probability gap between outcomes is decisive, and the bookmaker market agrees closely with this read, and recent form, standings and head-to-head data are all available.
AI-generated statistical analysis, not betting advice. No outcome is guaranteed. 18+ | Please gamble responsibly.
Why AI favors Ballymena United
- Higher league positionCrusaders FC
Crusaders FC sit 4 places above Ballymena United in the table.
#4 vs #8 - Strong recent formCrusaders FC
Crusaders FC are unbeaten in their last 5 matches, including 5 wins.
5W 0D 0L - Poor recent formBallymena United
Ballymena United have lost 3 of their last 5 matches.
1W 1D 3L - Historical edgeCrusaders FC
Crusaders FC have won 5 of the last 8 meetings between these two teams.
5/8 H2H wins
Computed independently from historical data — not a model-reported reason.
What could change the prediction
- AI and market are closely aligned
The bookmaker market and our model currently see this match almost identically, which limits how differentiated this pick is.
How did our prediction do?
We picked Ballymena United at 56% — final result was Crusaders FC win, Crusaders FC 2-1 Ballymena United.
Predicted score was 1-2.
This was a high confidence pick (94/100) that didn't come through — a reminder that no forecast is guaranteed.
Closing odds vs. our model
Last tracked odds before kickoff, compared against our AI's pre-match probability for the same outcome.
Match trends
- Crusaders FC have averaged 1.7 goals scored per game over their last 10 matches.
- Ballymena United have averaged 1.5 goals scored per game over their last 10 matches.
- Over 2.5 goals landed in 4 of the last 8 meetings between these two sides.
- Both teams scored in 5 of the last 8 head-to-head matches.
Head-to-head
Last 8 meetings
Crusaders FC
Ballymena UnitedBallymena UnitedCrusaders FCBallymena UnitedCrusaders FCCrusaders FCBallymena UnitedCrusaders FCBallymena UnitedCrusaders FCBallymena UnitedBallymena UnitedCrusaders FCBallymena UnitedCrusaders FCOdds comparison
Match winner
Total goals (2.5 line)
Both teams to score
Double chance
Clean sheet
Average and best price across 12 bookmakers we track. Odds change continuously — shown for reference only, not a recommendation.
Match winner — odds movement
Model vs market
"Market" is the average bookmaker price converted to an implied probability with the bookmaker's built-in margin removed, for a fair comparison against the AI's own probability estimate.
League standings
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Crusaders FC | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +1 | 6 | WWL |
| 8 | Ballymena United | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | LLW |
Pre-match comparison
Rolling averages based on each team's last 10 and 10 finished matches; clean sheets/failed-to-score are full-season totals.
Referee
N. Devlin
Based on 1 matches officiated (our own data).
When do they score?
Crusaders FC
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LinfieldFrequently asked questions
Who is likely to win Crusaders FC vs Ballymena United?+
Our AI model favors Ballymena United to win, with a 56% probability (Draw 21%, Crusaders FC 23%).
Where is Crusaders FC vs Ballymena United played?+
The match is played at Seaview, Belfast (capacity 3,383).
What time does Crusaders FC vs Ballymena United kick off?+
Kickoff is at Aug 15, 2026, 2:00 PM (your local time, based on your device).