Sport
League Of Ireland Predictions: Twists And Turns Expected Once Again
DUBLIN-BORN football journalist Tony Incenzo previews the imminent League of Ireland programme for William Hill News, with score predictions and betting tips on the key matches.
There is fresh impetus in the LOI Premier Division after the top two teams both lost last weekend.
Dublin still continues to lead the way though as we approach another full set of fixtures. Here are the upcoming pairings alongside my considered score predictions to assist your football betting…
DROGHEDA UNITED v SHELBOURNE
- Sullivan & Lambe Park
- Kick-off 7.45pm
- Rankings: 8th versus 5th
Drogheda United preview – Drogs nurse five matches bereft of winning and precariously hover two points over that dreaded danger zone.
Drogheda United 2026 home form – 10 played, 3 wins, 4 draws, 3 defeats
Shelbourne preview – Eight unbeaten for upwardly mobile Shels amassing 16 points out of 24 possible. Jubilant manager Joey O’Brien called attacking midfielder Harry Wood “the best player in our league” after last Friday’s stirring 2-1 home success versus leaders Shamrock Rovers where Wood engineered two goal assists.
But a word of caution – Shelbourne’s previous defeat was 4-3 against imminent opponents Drogheda United on 24th April at Tolka Park.
Shelbourne 2026 away form – 9 played, 5 wins, 3 draws, 1 defeat
Score prediction: Shels supreme 4-2.
GALWAY UNITED v DERRY CITY
- Pearse Park
- Kick-off 7.45pm
- Rankings: 7th versus 6th
Galway United preview – A totally historic first ever soccer fixture being staged at Pearse Park GAA Stadium due to ongoing pitch upgrades at Galway United’s regular Eamonn Deacy Park headquarters.
One win across nine games leaves the Tribesmen just two points clear of those much feared bottom two slots.
Galway United 2026 home form – 9 played, 3 wins, 2 draws, 4 defeats
Derry City preview – I was really surprised by struggling Derry’s 4-1 home romp against high flying Bohemians last Friday. It was a first win in eight outings ascending the Candystripes six points ahead of the bottom two.
This marked the final game at Find Insurance Celtic Park GAA stadium (Páirc na gCeilteach) before moving a stone’s throw back to the traditional Brandywell headquarters where a new hybrid pitch is bedding in. And the result probably saved boss Tiernan Lynch’s job for now following irate social media posts.
Derry City 2026 away form – 10 played, 2 wins, 6 draws, 2 defeats
Score prediction: Grim 0-0.
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC v SLIGO ROVERS
- Richmond Park
- Kick-off 7.45pm
- Rankings: 2nd versus 9th
St Patrick’s Athletic preview – A comfortable 2-0 triumph at home to Drogheda United last Friday elevated Pats into second spot – five points behind the summit whilst holding one game in hand.
It also terminated three winless matches by the Inchicore men.
St Patrick’s Athletic 2026 home form – 10 played, 7 wins, 1 draw, 2 defeats
Sligo Rovers preview – Fresh from a demoralising 4-0 hammering at bottom side Waterford.
Therefore the Bit O’Red reflect on one win inside seven engagements yet remain two points under the two clubs above them.
Sligo Rovers 2026 away form – 10 played, 2 wins, 2 draws, 6 defeats
Score prediction: Pats perfect 3-0.
WATERFORD v SHAMROCK ROVERS
- Waterford Regional Sports Centre
- Kick-off 7.45pm
- Rankings: 10th versus 1st
Waterford preview – Bottom entertains top. The aforementioned 4-0 rout versus visitors Sligo Rovers was only a second maximum pointer throughout our 2026 season for Waterford.
They are five points adrift at the foot of the table.
Waterford 2026 home form – 10 played, 2 wins, 6 draws, 2 defeats
Shamrock Rovers preview – Enjoying their five point cushion despite three defeats within five games.
Overall, I feel it would take a brave person to bet against the Tallaght outfit clinching a sixth LOI title crown during the past seven years.
Shamrock Rovers 2026 away form – 11 played, 4 wins, 3 draws, 4 defeats
Score prediction: Rovers run riot 5-1.
BOHEMIANS v DUNDALK
- Dalymount Park
- Kick-off 8pm
- Rankings: 3rd versus 4th
Bohemians preview – The 4-1 reverse up at Derry City keeps Bohs six points off pole position albeit having slipped one rung. Even so, nicely placed courtesy of four wins among six ongoing encounters.
Bohemians 2026 home form – 10 played, 3 wins, 5 draws, 2 defeats.
Dundalk preview – Two points below Friday’s hosts. Three victories peppering four unconquered games maintain Dundalk’s push for European qualification.
Dundalk 2026 away form – 10 played, 2 wins, 6 draws, 2 defeats
Score prediction: Bohs bounce back 3-2.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
