DUBLIN-BORN football journalist Tony Incenzo previews the forthcoming League of Ireland programme…
A full League of Ireland spread is approaching over the weekend. Betting is concentrated on important matches affecting both ends of the table.
Although the title race looks done and dusted, a frantic scrap is unfolding to avoid relegation. There is also significant managerial news to throw into the mix.
Here are the upcoming pairings alongside my considered score predictions to assist your football betting…
Friday 7th August 2026
Derry City v Sligo Rovers
- The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 6th versus 10th
Derry City preview – Tiernan Lynch left his role as Derry City boss on Wednesday. The Candystripes are 2026 season’s biggest let-downs in my opinion after finishing as runners-up last year. They’ve currently accrued one win in five ongoing LOI displays slumbering some 14 points below the top three.
Even so, I noticed supporters were vocally dissatisfied with Lynch as far back as my visit to their home fixture against Shelbourne on 25th May at Derry GAA Stadium. It finished in a 0-0 draw and quite honestly was one of the worst football matches I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
Speaking this week about the managerial change, Derry City chairman Philip O’Doherty said: “Having assembled a reasonably good squad, performances have been very disappointing and not up to expectations.” Recently appointed director of football Mark Connolly becomes caretaker manager.
Derry City 2026 home form – 13 played, 5 wins, 5 draws, 3 defeats
Sligo Rovers preview – Three points adrift at the foot of the table following five defeats within eight winless fixtures. In addition, five points shy of eighth placed survival.
However a slight positive is the two consecutive draws achieved since new boss Darren Purse took over on 24th July.
Sligo Rovers 2026 away form – 13 played, 2 wins, 3 draws, 8 defeats
Score prediction: Dreadful 0-0.
Galway United v Drogheda United
- Eamonn Deacy Park, Galway
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 7th versus 8th
Galway United preview – Now playing back on their re-laid pitch at Eamonn Deacy Park terminating a short spell using nearby Galway GAA Stadium in Salthill.
The Tribesmen reflect on five points gained during three unbeaten LOI engagements. Therefore four points ahead of the dreaded drop zone.
Galway United 2026 home form – 12 played, 5 wins, 3 draws, 4 defeats
Drogheda United preview – Two points under Friday’s hosts. Presently undefeated for three fixtures hovering two points clear of relegation peril.
But plenty of cause for concern due to merely one LOI win across 11 attempts.
Drogheda United 2026 away form – 13 played, 3 wins, 3 draws, 7 defeats
Score prediction: Entertaining 3-3
Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk
- Tallaght Stadium, Tallaght
- Kick-off: 8pm
- Rankings: 1st versus 4th
Shamrock Rovers preview – Enjoying a seven points leadership buffer thanks to five LOI games without loss. Furthermore, only one home defeat all season.
Shamrock Rovers 2026 home form – 12 played, 9 wins, 2 draws, 1 defeat
Dundalk preview – Five matches bereft of winning. That run keeps Dundalk seven points behind the front three teams.
Dundalk 2026 away form – 13 played, 3 wins, 7 draws, 3 defeats
Score prediction: Rovers radiant 4-1.
Sunday 9th August 2026
Waterford v Bohemians
- Waterford Regional Sports Centre, Waterford
- Kick-off: 3pm
- Rankings: 9th versus 3rd
Waterford preview – Three wins amid five unconquered encounters moving Waterford three points above the bottom. Yet still two points to make up on the safety region though.
Waterford 2026 home form – 13 played, 3 wins, 7 draws, 3 defeats
Bohemians preview – Bohs lie seven points off pole position despite four unbeaten LOI results.
Bohemians 2026 away form – 13 played, 3 wins, 7 draws, 3 defeats
Score prediction: Waterford renaissance continues 1-0.
Shelbourne v St Patrick’s Athletic
- Tolka Park, Drumcondra
- Kick-off: 5pm
- Rankings: 5th versus 2nd
Shelbourne preview – Trailing those European qualification spots by 10 points. Shels possess a single win among five matches.
Shelbourne 2026 home form – 13 played, 3 wins, 5 draws, 5 defeats
St Patrick’s Athletic preview – Travelling just four miles south-west as the crow flies for this Dublin derby.
Any lingering title hopes have been firmly extinguished courtesy of three successive draws leaving Pats seven points short of first place.
St Patrick’s Athletic 2026 away form – 12 played, 3 wins, 5 draws, 4 defeats
Score prediction: Pats edge it 2-1.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
