League Of Ireland Predictions: Expect Fireworks This Weekend

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.

JUST the three League of Ireland Premier Division matches this weekend. But there are still plenty of talking points including two desperate relegation battles plus a significant managerial change to digest.

Here are the upcoming pairings alongside my considered score predictions to assist your football betting…

Friday 24th July 2026

St Patrick’s Athletic v Dundalk

• Kick-off: 8pm
• Rankings: 3rd versus 4th

St Patrick’s Athletic preview – Three wins across five outings leave Pats eight points off the summit holding a game in hand on the two leading clubs. Yet I was surprised when they were held 1-1 at lowly Waterford last time out.

St Patrick’s Athletic 2026 season home form – 12 played, 9 wins, 1 draw, 2 defeats

Dundalk preview – Three consecutive defeats have overturned three straight wins. Therefore slipping seven points below the top three.

Dundalk 2026 season away form – 12 played, 3 wins, 6 draws, 3 defeats

Score prediction: Inspirational 4-4.

Saturday 25th July 2026

Galway United v Waterford

• Kick-off: 5pm
• Rankings: 7th versus 9th

Galway United preview – Continuing to play at 26,000 capacity Pearse Park GAA Stadium (Páirc an Phiarsaigh) in Salthill due to ongoing pitch upgrades at Galway United’s regular Eamonn Deacy Park headquarters.

I was in attendance for the last LOI fixture at Pearse Park watching the Tribesmen edge bottom placed visitors Sligo Rovers 3-2 in a totally entertaining Connacht derby.

There were huge scenes of celebration once Matty Wolfe hammered the late winning goal into the top corner three minutes into added time. I loved Pearse Park’s huge, old fashioned terraces which particularly reminded me of English stadiums in the 70’s and 80’s.

That vital result took Galway six points ahead of the dreaded danger zone.

Galway United 2026 season home form – 11 played, 5 wins, 2 draws, 4 defeats

Waterford preview – Upwardly mobile moving one point above bottom spot thanks to a single defeat within six matches incorporating three crucial victories.

Now heading west to Galway, I feel Waterford can take heart from winning the past two away encounters…3-2 at Dundalk and 4-2 at Derry City.

Waterford 2026 season away form – 12 played, 2 wins, 2 draws, 8 defeats

Score prediction: Galway gigantic 3-0.

Sligo Rovers v Drogheda United

• Kick-off: 7.45pm
• Rankings: 10th versus 8th

Sligo Rovers preview – One point adrift at the foot of the table following five defeats in six winless fixtures. Also five points shy of eighth placed survival. Even so, I was impressed by the determined spirit shown by the Bit O’Red in the aforementioned 3-2 reverse away to Galway United.

Sligo battled back from 2-0 down to level matters as Cian Kavanagh scored twice in the closing stages. However they fell short defensively in allowing Galway United to net a third deep into stoppage time. Two days later, first team manager John Russell departed to fill the vacancy at Shelbourne.

Sligo Rovers chairperson Tommy Higgins said: “John has given tremendous service to Sligo Rovers over many years, both as a player and as manager. On behalf of the management committee, I would like to thank him for his commitment, professionalism and contribution to the club during his time in charge.

“While we are disappointed to see him leave, we respect his decision and wish him every success in his new role. John will always be welcome at The Showgrounds.”

First team coach Ryan Casey subsequently left on Tuesday this week to team up with Russell. Sligo have since confirmed their search for a new manager has reached the interview stage and they could well make an announcement before the upcoming Drogheda match.

Sligo Rovers 2026 season home form – 12 played, 3 wins, 3 draws, 6 defeats

Drogheda United preview – Drogs terminated an eight game fruitless sequence by triumphing 2-1 at Louth rivals Dundalk a fortnight ago. Shane Farrell grabbed both goals. It ascended Drogheda four points clear of relegation peril.

Drogheda United 2026 season away form – 12 played, 3 wins, 2 draws, 7 defeats

Score prediction: Grim 0-0.

*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*