League of Ireland Predictions: Every Match Crucial As We Enter Business End Of Season

DUBLIN-BORN football journalist Tony Incenzo previews the forthcoming League of Ireland programme, with previews ahead of the biggest matches taking place this weekend.

There are four tasty League of Ireland Premier Division contests to look forward to on Friday evening. Because the leaders Shamrock Rovers are otherwise engaged on European participation this week, betting interest is concentrated on other clubs as we head into the final quarter of our 2026 season.

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

Bohemians v Derry City Prediction

• Dalymount Park
• Kick-off: 7.45pm
• Rankings: 3rd versus 6th

Bohemians preview – Ten points below top spot after two LOI games lacking wins. I was particularly surprised by their 3-1 loss away to lowly Waterford last time out.

Bohemians 2026 home LOI form – 13 played, 4 wins, 6 draws, 3 defeats

Derry City preview – Just a single away victory representing the division’s worst tally. Director of football Mark Connolly continues as caretaker boss in light of Tiernan Lynch’s departure earlier this month. Connolly said: “I am simply steading the ship since there has been plenty of interest in the manager’s job here.

“We’ve been getting texts and phone calls galore. Derry City is a very, very attractive football job. Therefore we’re currently sitting back to carry out a full review on a day-to-day basis.”

Significantly, former Republic of Ireland star defender Richard Dunne is being linked with the vacancy. Dunne said: “Derry are a really good club and seem to have strong backing. I’m sure they’ve identified loads of potential player transfer targets too. I’ll see how it goes.

“I still do coaching, I’m out at matches all the time and I’m ambitious to coach at a high level. I enjoy it immensely. Especially trying to help players develop.

I know Dunne well personally and I firmly believe he has the correct credentials to make an outstanding LOI manager.

Derry City 2026 away LOI form – 13 played, 1 win, 7 draws, 5 defeats

Score prediction: Bohs buoyant 3-1.

Drogheda United v St Patrick’s Athletic Prediction

• Sullivan & Lambe Park
• Kick-off: 7.45pm
• Rankings: 9th versus 2nd

Drogheda United preview – Hovering in the bottom two on goal difference despite recording four unbeaten matches. Drogs have drawn the past three including two consecutive scoreless affairs. But much cause for concern due to one LOI victory across 12 attempts.

Drogheda United 2026 home LOI form – 13 played, 3 wins, 6 draws, 4 defeats

St Patrick’s Athletic preview – Fresh from scoring two stoppage time goals which cemented a stirring 3-2 home FAI Cup triumph over near neighbours Shamrock Rovers who Pats trail by seven points in the Premier Division table. The Inchicore men protect five undefeated LOI outings.

St Patrick’s Athletic 2026 away LOI form – 13 played, 4 wins, 5 draws, 4 defeats

Score prediction: Pats partying 2-0.

Dundalk v Galway United Prediction

• Oriel Park
• Kick-off: 7.45pm
• Rankings: 4th versus 7th

Dundalk preview – Six matches bereft of winning. That run leaves Dundalk seven points behind the front three teams.

Dundalk 2026 home LOI form – 13 played, 6 wins, 3 draws, 4 defeats

Galway United preview – The Tribesmen reflect on six points gained during four unbeaten LOI games culminating in three successive draws. Yet merely two points ahead of the dreaded drop zone.

Galway United 2026 away LOI form – 13 played, 2 wins, 5 draws, 6 defeats

Score prediction: Humdrum 0-0.

Sligo Rovers v Waterford Prediction

• The Showgrounds
• Kick-off: 8pm
• Rankings: 10th versus 8th

Sligo Rovers preview – A desperate relegation dog fight. Sligo lie six points adrift at the foot of the table following six defeats within nine winless fixtures.

Sligo Rovers 2026 home LOI form – 13 played, 3 wins, 4 draws, 6 defeats

Waterford preview – Four victories amid six unconquered encounters moving Waterford six points above the bottom. Although only goal difference keeps them out of the danger area.

Waterford 2026 away LOI form – 13 played, 2 wins, 3 draws, 8 defeats

Score prediction: Waterford wizards 2-1.

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