Tony Incenzo previews the forthcoming SSE Airtricity League of Ireland action ahead of the final matchday of the 2026 season.
Congratulations to Shamrock Rovers on winning the League of Ireland Premier Division crown.
League Of Ireland Best Bets:
- Drogheda v Galway to end a draw (9/4)
- Dundalk to win (9/4)
- Shelbourne v Watford to end a draw (13/5)
- Sligo to win (4/1)
- St Patrick’s v Bohemians to end a draw (23/10)
As we head into the final round of regular season fixtures, there is still a relegation area issue to be resolved. Accordingly, betting interest is bubbling along nicely.
Here are the upcoming pairings alongside my considered score predictions to assist your football betting…
Drogheda United v Galway United
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 9th versus 6th
Drogheda United preview – Three points below the survival region. Last Friday’s devastating 3-1 reverse at Waterford more or less condemned Drogs to the relegation Play-Off place. Currently nursing three defeats inside four outings.
Drogheda United 2026 home LOI form – 17 played, 5 wins, 6 draws, 6 defeats
Galway United preview – Clear of previous mid-season relegation worries despite one win across five games.
Galway United 2026 away LOI form – 17 played, 4 wins, 5 draws, 8 defeats
Score prediction: Inept 0-0.
Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 7th versus 1st
Dundalk preview – Six winless matches have plunged Dundalk into the division’s lower half.
Dundalk 2026 home LOI form – 17 played, 6 wins, 3 draws, 8 defeats
Shamrock Rovers preview – Rovers clinched the champions’ accolade once again by hammering visitors Sligo Rovers 4-0 last Friday before a jubilant 8,023 crowd. It cements their sixth title in seven years. Therefore aiming to see out the season in style up in County Louth where the trophy will be presented.
Shamrock Rovers 2026 away LOI form – 17 played, 6 wins, 5 draws, 6 defeats
Score prediction: Dundalk party poopers 1-0.
Shelbourne v Waterford
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 4th versus 8th
Shelbourne preview – Their 1-0 triumph at Dalymount Park last Friday dramatically extinguished the title challenge of near neighbours Bohs. That made it four maximum pointers peppering a five match unbeaten streak for Shels.
Shelbourne 2026 home LOI form – 17 played, 4 wins, 5 draws, 8 defeats
Waterford preview – The aforementioned 3-1 home victory over relegation zone rivals Drogheda United has virtually secured Waterford’s safety. A second consecutive win when most needed. They now require one point to be mathematically certain though.
Waterford 2026 away LOI form – 17 played, 3 wins, 4 draws, 10 defeats
Score prediction: Waterford euphoric 1-1.
Sligo Rovers v Derry City
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 10th versus 5th
Sligo Rovers preview – Relegated, down and out. The Bit O’ Red slumbering 13 points adrift at the bottom due to 17 ongoing LOI engagements without winning.
Sligo Rovers 2026 home LOI form – 17 played, 3 wins, 6 draws, 8 defeats
Derry City preview – Four wins spanning their past six games. However a disappointing campaign overall for last season’s runners-up who finish a long way short of desired European qualification.
Derry City 2026 away LOI form – 17 played, 2 wins, 8 draws, 7 defeats
Score prediction: Sligo finally succeed 2-1.
St Patrick’s Athletic v Bohemians
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 3rd versus 2nd
St Patrick’s Athletic preview – At one time, this looked like being a potential title impact showdown but both these Dublin sides stumbled badly in recent weeks. Pats haven’t won amid three games.
St Patrick’s Athletic 2026 home LOI form – 17 played, 10 wins, 3 draws, 4 defeats
Bohemians preview – Two defeats during three matches scuppering Bohs’ LOI glory aspirations. They sit two points above Friday’s hosts.
Bohemians 2026 away LOI form – 17 played, 10 wins, 2 draws, 5 defeats
Score prediction: Euphoric 4-4.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
