Football
League Of Ireland Predictions: Goals Galore On Thrilling Friday Of Action
DUBLIN-BORN football journalist Tony Incenzo previews the imminent League of Ireland programme for William Hill News, with score predictions and betting tips on the key matches.
WE can enjoy a full set of LOI Premier fixtures this weekend. Dublin leads the way for title chase discussions but the two leading contenders both face tricky away trips. And the bottom two sides meet head on.
Here are the upcoming pairings alongside my considered score predictions to assist your football betting…
DERRY CITY v BOHEMIANS
- Find Insurance Celtic Park
- Kick-off 7.45pm
- Rankings: 6th versus 2nd
Derry City preview – This is set to be Derry’s final game groundsharing at the 18,500 capacity Celtic Park GAA stadium (Páirc na gCeilteach) before moving a stone’s throw back to the traditional Brandywell headquarters where a new hybrid pitch is currently being laid.
I went to their previous home fixture which finished 0-0 against Shelbourne. It was one of the worst matches I’ve ever seen bringing just one shot on target in 90 minutes.
The Candystripes sit three points ahead of the bottom two after seven winless outings and pressure is increasingly mounting on boss Tiernan Lynch – particularly amongst supporters’ damning social media posts.
Derry City 2026 home form – 10 played, 3 wins, 5 draws, 2 defeats.
Bohemians preview – Six points off pole position following four wins in five games. Furthermore, Bohs are top of the away form charts accumulating 20 points so far on their 2026 travels.
Bohemians 2026 away form – 10 played, 6 wins, 2 draws, 2 defeats.
Derry City v Bohemians score prediction: Bohs buoyant 3-0 and Derry sack Lynch.
GALWAY UNITED v DUNDALK
- Munster FA Turner’s Cross Stadium
- Kick-off 7.45pm
- Rankings: 7th versus 4th
Galway United preview – This fixture has been moved 129 miles to Cork due to ongoing pitch upgrades at Galway United’s Eamonn Deacy Park. One win across eight matches leaves the Tribesmen two points clear of those dreaded bottom two slots.
Galway United 2026 home form – 8 played, 3 wins, 2 draws, 3 defeats
Dundalk preview – Three games unbeaten but 11 points behind the leaders. It seems a long time ago now since the Lilywhites secured five LOI title successes spanning seven seasons between 2014 and 2019.
Dundalk 2026 away form – 9 played, 1 win, 6 draws, 2 defeats.
Galway United v Dundalk score prediction: Honours even 2-2.
SHELBOURNE v SHAMROCK ROVERS
- Tolka Park
- Kick-off 7.45pm
- Rankings: 5th versus 1st
Shelbourne preview – A raucous atmosphere will enhance this cross-Dublin derby. Shels nurse the LOI Premier Division’s worst home record picking up merely 8 points from 10 attempts. However I was impressed by their defensive resolve in the aforementioned 0-0 draw up at Derry City.
Shelbourne 2026 home form – 10 played, 1 win, 5 draws, 4 defeats.
Shamrock Rovers preview – Boasting a six point buffer. Rovers have overturned two defeats by mustering two consecutive victories. It would take a brave person to bet against the Tallaght outfit clinching a sixth LOI title crown during the past seven years.
Shamrock Rovers 2026 away form – 10 played, 4 wins, 3 draws, 3 defeats.
Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers score prediction: Rovers edge a thriller 4-3.
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC v DROGHEDA UNITED
- Richmond Park
- Kick-off 7.45pm
- Rankings: 3rd versus 8th
St Patrick’s Athletic preview – Three games without victory see Pats slipping eight points below the leaders.
St Patrick’s Athletic 2026 home form – 9 played, 6 wins, 1 wins, 2 draws.
Drogheda United preview – Four matches bereft of winning for the Drogs who uncomfortably hover two points over that danger zone.
Drogheda United 2026 away form – 9 played, 2 wins, 2 draws, 5 defeats.
St Patrick’s Athletic v Drogheda United score prediction: Pats prevails 3-1.
WATERFORD v SLIGO ROVERS
- Waterford Regional Sports Centre
- Kick-off 7.45pm
- Rankings: 10th versus 9th
Waterford preview – A crucial battle of the basement boys. Seeking only a second victory of the campaign, Waterford lie eight points adrift of their Friday night opponents.
Waterford 2026 home form – 9 played, 1 win, 6 draws, 2 defeats.
Sligo Rovers preview – The Bit O’Red reflect on one win inside six encounters yet are still two points under the two clubs above them.
Sligo Rovers 2026 away form – 9 played, 2 wins, 2 draws, 5 defeats.
Waterford v Sligo Rovers score prediction: Ghastly 0-0.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
