League Of Ireland Predictions: No Shortage Of Drama Despite Truncated Fixture Schedule

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 scheduled this weekend. However there are still plenty of talking points – especially in the relegation area – plus important transfer activity too.

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

Friday 10th July 2026

Dundalk v Drogheda United

• Oriel Park
• Kick-off: 7.45pm
• Rankings: 4th versus 8th

Dundalk preview – Going into this Louth derby nursing two consecutive defeats. Therefore slipping six points below the top three. In fact, it seems a long time ago now since the Lilywhites secured five LOI title successes spanning six seasons between 2014 and 2019.

On Tuesday, striker Eoin Kenny left Dundalk to join English EFL Championship side Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee. The 20 year old originally came up through Dundalk’s youth academy. He has signed a three year contract at Fratton Park.

Dundalk 2026 home form – 11 played, 6 wins, 2 draws, 3 defeats

Drogheda United preview – Travelling 22 miles up the M1 motorway, Drogs precariously hover two points ahead of the dreaded danger zone. This reflects an eight game winless sequence.

Drogheda United 2026 away form – 11 played, 2 wins, 2 draws, 7 defeats

Score prediction: Dundalk bounce back 2-0.

Waterford v St Patrick’s Athletic

• Waterford Regional Sports Centre
• Kick-off: 8pm
• Rankings: 9th versus 3rd

Waterford preview – Moving off bottom spot on goal difference thanks to three victories within their past four outings. I was particularly impressed by last Friday’s stirring 4-2 triumph up at Derry City.

Tommy Lonergan scored twice despite being the subject of pre-match transfer speculation regarding a domestic record €180,000 bid from opponents Derry.

Waterford 2026 home form – 11 played, 2 wins, 6 draws, 3 defeats

St Patrick’s Athletic preview – Three wins across four encounters leave Pats nine points off the summit but significantly holding two games in hand on the clubs above them.

St Patrick’s Athletic 2026 away form – 11 played, 3 wins, 4 draws, 4 defeats

Score prediction: Even stevens 3-3.

Saturday 11th July 2026

Galway United v Sligo Rovers

• Pearse Park (Páirc an Phiarsaigh)
• Kick-off: 5pm
• Rankings: 7th versus 10th

Galway United preview – The second soccer fixture earmarked for 26,000 capacity Pearse Park GAA Stadium in Salthill due to ongoing pitch upgrades at Galway United’s regular Eamonn Deacy Park headquarters.

Galway have currently lost three out of four matches to sit four points clear of those much feared relegation rungs.

Galway United 2026 home form – 10 played, 4 wins, 2 draws, 4 defeats

Sligo Rovers preview – Filling the foot of the table on goal difference following four defeats amid five winless engagements. Yet still only two points shy of eighth placed survival.

Boosted on Monday by the recruitment of forward Jamie McGonigle, 30, from Northern Ireland Premiership outfit Coleraine. He has penned a loan deal until the end of this present LOI season. McGonigle stands by for his Bit O’Red debut on Saturday and said: “I’m hoping I can really hit the ground running and get up to speed with things at Sligo as quickly as possible.

“I’ve been able to achieve that before when I’ve switched clubs and I am hoping to do the same again. I know the LOI well having previously played for Derry City so it will help me settle.”

Sligo Rovers manager John Russell added: “Jamie has worked extremely hard for every team he has played for and always stands out. He is a goalscorer of true quality who brings a great deal of experience to my group which is huge for us in adding another attacking option. We can’t wait to see Jamie in action.”

Sligo Rovers 2026 away form – 11 played, 2 wins, 2 draws, 7 defeats

Score prediction: Bore draw 0-0.