DUBLIN-BORN football journalist Tony Incenzo previews the forthcoming League of Ireland action, with his best bets and predictions ahead of this weekend’s slate of matches.
We have new leaders heading into another round of League of Ireland Premier Division combat. This sudden change in focus has caused betting interest to pivot dramatically.
Here are the upcoming pairings alongside my considered score predictions to assist your football betting…
Derry City v Galway United Prediction
- The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 5th versus 6th
Derry City preview – One win across four outings as Mark Connolly continues interim manager duties.
Derry City 2026 home LOI form – 15 played, 6 wins, 6 draws, 3 defeats
Galway United preview – Fresh from Monday night’s 3-1 Connacht derby triumph at Sligo Rovers. The Tribesmen picked up seven points during their past three away LOI engagements but are still just three points ahead of the dreaded danger zone.
Galway United 2026 away LOI form – 15 played, 4 wins, 5 draws, 6 defeats
Score prediction: Stimulating 2-2.
Dundalk v Shelbourne Prediction
- Oriel Park
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 4th versus 7th
Dundalk preview – They haven’t succeeded on home turf since beating Derry City 2-1 on 29th May. Beyond then, one draw and four defeats at Oriel Park causing any chance of European qualification to drastically fade away into oblivion.
Dundalk 2026 home LOI form – 15 played, 6 wins, 3 draws , 6 defeats
Shelbourne preview – Shels nurse six winless LOI games losing the last two which were at home. So presently two points clear of relegation discussions. However on their travels, merely two losses all year is the division’s foremost tally.
Shelbourne 2026 away LOI form – 14 played, 5 wins, 7 draws, 2 defeats
Score prediction: Flat 0-0.
Bohemians v Drogheda United Prediction
- Dalymount Park
- Kick-off: 8pm
- Rankings: 3rd versus 9th
Bohemians preview – Three straight wins racking up 11 goals take free-scoring Bohs three points under first place.
Bohemians 2026 home LOI form – 15 played, 6 wins, 6 draws, 3 defeats
Drogheda United preview – Inside the bottom two on goal difference despite two successive maximum pointers.
Drogheda United 2026 away LOI form – 15 played, 4 wins, 4 draws, 7 defeats
Score prediction: Bohs bouncing 3-1.
Shamrock Rovers v Waterford Prediction
- Tallaght Stadium
- Kick-off: 8pm
- Rankings: 2nd versus 8th
Shamrock Rovers preview – The long-time frontrunners are now second on goal difference holding a game in hand. Not helped by three matches lacking wins. Nevertheless only one home defeat all year is the LOI Premier Division’s best performance.
Shamrock Rovers 2026 home LOI form – 14 played, 10 wins, 3 draws, 1 defeat
Waterford preview – Five victories amid 10 unconquered results leave Waterford hovering above relegation peril on goal difference.
Waterford 2026 away LOI form – 15 played, 3 wins, 4 draws, 8 defeats
Score prediction: Rovers run riot 5-0.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
