League of Ireland Predictions & Best Bets This Weekend

DUBLIN-BORN football journalist Tony Incenzo previews the forthcoming League of Ireland programme for William Hill News.

There is a full League of Ireland Premier Division schedule spread over the weekend. Betting interest is intensifying because leaders Shamrock Rovers have suddenly been pegged back whist an almighty scramble is taking place in the relegation region.

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

Friday 28th August 2026

Bohemians v Sligo Rovers Prediction

• Dalymount Park
• Kick-off: 7.45pm
• Rankings: 3rd versus 10th

Bohemians preview – Seven points below top spot. Bohs overturned the surprising 3-1 loss away to lowly Waterford by eclipsing Derry City 5-3 at Dalyer last time out. That was the best LOI entertainment spectacle all year in my opinion.

Bohemians 2026 home LOI form – 14 played, 5 wins, 6 draws, 3 defeats

Sligo Rovers preview – Slumbering five points adrift at the foot of the table following six defeats across 10 winless affairs. The Bit O’ Red’s previous victory was 2-1 away to leaders Shamrock Rovers on Friday 22nd May.

A slight positive is three draws recorded in Sligo’s past four outings. However, nine points gained from away LOI games signifies the worst tally in this division.

Sligo Rovers 2026 away LOI form – 14 played, 2 wins, 3 draws, 9 defeats

Score prediction: Bohs battering ram 3-0.

Galway United v Shelbourne Prediction

• Eamonn Deacy Park
• Kick-off: 7.45pm
• Rankings: 7th versus 5th

Galway United preview – The Tribesmen reflect on nine points accumulated during five unbeaten LOI games. They have ascended five points ahead of the dreaded drop zone.

Galway United 2026 home LOI form – 13 played, 5 wins, 4 draws, 4 defeats

Shelbourne preview – Shels possess a single win among six LOI matches culminating in two consecutive defeats.

Shelbourne 2026 away LOI form – 12 played, 5 wins, 5 draws, 2 defeats

Score prediction: Second rate 0-0.

St Patrick’s Athletic v Waterford Prediction

• Richmond Park
• Kick-off: 7.45pm
• Rankings: 2nd versus 8th

St Patrick’s Athletic preview – Six undefeated LOI games see Pats moving to within four points of the summit.

St Patrick’s Athletic 2026 home LOI form – 14 played, 9 wins, 3 draws, 2 defeats

Waterford preview – Four victories amid seven unconquered engagements leave Waterford six points above the bottom. Although only one point out of the danger area.

Waterford 2026 away LOI form – 14 played, 2 wins, 4 draws, 8 defeats

Score prediction: Pats precise 2-0.

Drogheda United v Dundalk Prediction

• Sullivan & Lambe Park
• Kick-off: 8pm
• Rankings: 9th versus 4th

Drogheda United preview – One point short of survival. Last Friday’s 2-0 home setback against St Patrick’s Athletic terminated four unbeaten matches. Overall, much cause for concern due to one LOI victory throughout 13 attempts.

Drogheda United 2026 home LOI form – 14 played, 3 wins, 6 draws, 5 defeats

Dundalk preview – Travelling 21 miles south for this Louth derby. Dundalk nurse seven matches bereft of winning. Therefore falling 10 points behind the front three teams.

Dundalk 2026 away LOI form – 14 played, 3 wins, 7 draws, 4 defeats

Score prediction: Drogs dig in 3-2.

Sunday 30th August 2026

Derry City v Shamrock Rovers Prediction

• The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium
• Kick-off: 4pm
• Rankings: 6th versus 1st

Derry City preview – Director of football Mark Connolly continues as caretaker boss in light of Tiernan Lynch’s departure earlier this month. Just one maximum pointer from four current LOI fixtures for the underachieving Candystripes.

Derry City 2026 home LOI form – 14 played, 6 wins, 5 draws, 3 defeats

Shamrock Rovers preview – Rovers’ buffer has been cut to four points despite six undefeated LOI encounters. Yet significantly, the Tallaght men hold a game in hand on the chasing pack.

Shamrock Rovers 2026 away LOI form – 14 played, 6 wins, 4 draws, 4 defeats

Score prediction: Rovers rapturous 4-1.

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