Rotterdam Dockers vs Dublin Guardians: match preview on 17 September 2026

Rotterdam Dockers to beat Dublin Guardians. The Dockers have won three of their last five matches while the Guardians have managed just one, and the standings reflect that gap: 13 points against 2. A home win is the most likely outcome.

Recent form

Rotterdam Dockers have found their rhythm. Three wins in five games — victories over Edinburgh Castle Rockers 181:176, Belfast Wolves 162:161, and Glasgow Cosmic 172:141 — show a side that can close out tight contests.

Dublin Guardians are struggling. One win in five — a 111:107 victory over Belfast Wolves — and four defeats, including a heavy 155:214 loss to Amsterdam Flames away. They have conceded 826 runs while scoring only 747 across those five matches. Record: one win, four defeats.

Head-to-head

The last meeting was a thriller. On 2 September, Dublin hosted Rotterdam and lost 178:179 by a single run. The result was decided in the final moments, a reminder that this fixture can swing either way. Rotterdam won that encounter, but the margin was razor-thin.

Standings

The table tells the story. Rotterdam Dockers sit third with 13 points from eight matches — six wins and two losses. Dublin Guardians are sixth with just 2 points from nine matches, one win and eight losses. The gap between them is 11 points.

Scoreline

Rotterdam should win by 10 to 20 runs. Their batting averages in recent wins have been 171, 162, and 172, while Dublin's recent totals have been 155, 159, 162, 111, and 160. The Dockers have the firepower to post a competitive total and the discipline to defend it. Dublin have struggled to chase targets and have conceded heavily in most matches.

When the prediction fails

A draw or a Dublin win becomes possible if the home side underperforms. Rotterdam have lost a home game before — 93:148 to Edinburgh — and can be vulnerable if their top order collapses early. Dublin's only win came at home against Belfast, suggesting they may struggle on the road. If Rotterdam fail to set a target above 170, Dublin's batting could find a path to victory.

Confidence: 65%. The form gap and league position point clearly to Rotterdam, but the one-run margin in the previous meeting shows Dublin can compete when conditions suit them.