Football
League Of Ireland Predictions: Rovers Cement Status As Team To Catch While Relegation Battle Blazes
DUBLIN-BORN football journalist Tony Incenzo previews the forthcoming League of Ireland programme for William Hill News, with score predictions and betting tips on the key matches.
The title race in our LOI Premier Division is hotting up thanks to some faltering results for leaders Shamrock Rovers. Elsewhere, the bottom two sides look increasingly marooned as teams above them pull away.
Here are the upcoming pairings alongside my considered score predictions to assist your football betting…
Shamrock Rovers v Galway United
- Tallaght Stadium
- Kick-off: 7.30pm
- Rankings: 1st versus 7th
Shamrock Rovers preview – Boasting a six point cushion. Even so, recent form shows three defeats and a draw in their last seven games.
Rovers fans were disappointed to be held 1-1 by struggling Derry City on Monday in Tallaght with Aaron Greene’s late equaliser salvaging a point for the Hoops.
Shamrock Rovers 2026 home form – 11 played, 8 wins, 2 draws, 1 defeat
Galway United preview – The Tribesmen marked a totally historic first ever soccer fixture staged at Pearse Park GAA Stadium by defeating visitors Derry City 2-1 last Friday.
It was only a second maximum pointer in five attempts for Galway who moved five points clear of those much feared bottom two slots.
Galway United 2026 away form – 10 played, 2 wins, 4 draws, 4 defeats
Score prediction: Rovers roaring 4-1.
Derry City v Drogheda United
- The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 6th versus 8th
Derry City preview – This match signifies Derry’s return to their traditional Brandywell headquarters – where a new hybrid pitch has been completed – thereby concluding a short tenure nearby at Find Insurance Celtic Park GAA stadium (Páirc na gCeilteach).
Nevertheless, pressure continues to mount on boss Tiernan Lynch despite Monday’s creditable 1-1 result away to table toppers Shamrock Rovers. However, it is only one victory across 10 LOI outings for the Candystripes. Furthermore, they’ve drawn 11 of their 23 games so far.
Derry City 2026 home form – 11 played, 4 wins, 5 draws, 2 defeats
Drogheda United preview – Drogs nurse six matches bereft of winning and precariously hover three points over that dreaded danger zone.
Drogheda United 2026 away form – 10 played, 2 wins, 2 draws, 6 defeats
Score prediction: Dire 0-0.
Dundalk v Waterford
- Oriel Park
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 4th versus 10th
Dundalk preview – Two points off the top three. Four victories peppering five unconquered games maintain Dundalk’s push for European qualification. I was particularly impressed by their 2-1 win away to third placed Bohemians last Friday evening.
Dundalk 2026 home form – 10 played, 6 wins, 2 draws, 2 defeats
Waterford preview – No away victories to date for Waterford. They seem doomed sitting five points adrift at the foot of the table.
Waterford 2026 away form – 10 played, 0 wins, 2 draws, 8 defeats
Score prediction: Dundalk delight 5-0.
Bohemians v St Patrick’s Athletic
- Dalymount Park
- Kick-off: 8pm
- Rankings: 3rd versus 2nd
Bohemians preview – Monday’s excellent 3-0 romp at Shelbourne in the North Dublin derby overturned two straight defeats. Bohs need to improve on mixed home fortunes though bringing only three ‘Dalyer’ victories all year.
Bohemians 2026 home form – 11 played, 3 wins, 5 draws, 3 defeats
St Patrick’s Athletic preview – Two consecutive wins see Pat’s six points behind the summit whilst holding two games in hand.
St Patrick’s Athletic 2026 away form – 10 played, 3 wins, 4 draws, 3 defeats
Score prediction: Electrifying 4-4.
Saturday 27th June 2026
Sligo Rovers v Shelbourne
- The Showgrounds
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 9th versus 5th
Sligo Rovers preview – Three consecutive defeats. Indeed, the Bit O’Red reflect on one win inside eight engagements.
Sligo Rovers 2026 home form – 10 played, 3 wins, 2 draws, 5 defeats
Shelbourne preview – The 3-0 home slump against Bohs on Monday signified a first defeat in 10 games for Shels. Then the news on Thursday saw head coach Joey O’Brien depart. Shels under-20’s head coach Lorcan Fitzgerald takes interim charge.
Shelbourne 2026 away form – 10 played, 5 wins, 4 draws, 1 defeat.
Score prediction: Shels shade it 3-2.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
