DUBLIN-BORN football journalist Tony Incenzo previews the forthcoming SSE Airtricity League of Ireland action, with a focus on Friday night’s fixtures.
A big gap has suddenly opened up at the apex of our League of Ireland Premier Division title race. Defending champions Shamrock Rovers are very much in the driving seat with three games remaining.
But more twists and turns could take place before that defining seasonal denouement. Accordingly, betting interest is bubbling up intensely.
Here are the upcoming pairings alongside my considered score predictions to assist your football betting…
Bohemians v Waterford Prediction
- at Dalymount Park
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 3rd versus 8th
Bohemians preview – Five victories on the spin racking up 15 goals came to an end when Bohs lost 2-1 at Shamrock Rovers in Monday night’s huge top of the table clash. It means the Phibsborough men have slipped six points below pole position.
Bohemians 2026 home LOI form – 16 played, 7 wins, 6 draws, 3 defeats
Waterford preview – Sitting above the danger zone on goal difference following three winless matches.
Waterford 2026 away LOI form – 16 played, 3 wins, 4 draws, 9 defeats
Score prediction: Bohs boisterous 3-0.
Drogheda United v Derry City Prediction
- at Sullivan & Lambe Park
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 9th versus 5th
Drogheda United preview – Two consecutive losses leave Drogs slumbering inside the relegation Play-Off area on goal difference
Drogheda United 2026 home LOI form – 16 played, 4 wins, 6 draws, 6 defeats
Derry City preview – Four unbeaten games as last season’s runners-up head for a mid-table finish.
Derry City 2026 away LOI form – 16 played, 2 wins, 8 draws, 6 defeats
Score prediction: Derry delight 2-1.
Galway United v Shamrock Rovers Prediction
- at Eamonn Deacy Park
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 7th versus 1st
Galway United preview – One win across five games. Therefore hovering four points ahead of relegation deliberations.
Galway United 2026 home LOI form – 16 played, 5 wins, 6 draws, 5 defeats
Shamrock Rovers preview – Three straight maximum pointers move Rovers six points clear. The aforementioned 2-1 home triumph over fierce rivals Bohs on Monday night attracted a bumper crowd of 10,208 which is a competitive record for Tallaght Stadium. It is great to see so much interest in League of Ireland football.
Shamrock Rovers 2026 away LOI form – 16 played, 6 wins, 5 draws, 5 defeats
Score prediction: Rovers rampant 5-1.
St Patrick’s Athletic v Shelbourne Prediction
- at Richmond Park
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 2nd versus 4th
St Patrick’s Athletic preview – Six points off the summit after three successive victories whilst holding a game in hand.
St Patrick’s Athletic 2026 home LOI form – 16 played, 10 wins, 3 draws, 3 defeats
Shelbourne preview – Currently protecting a three match unbeaten run. In addition, merely two away defeats is the division’s best tally.
Shelbourne 2026 away LOI form – 16 played, 6 wins, 8 draws, 2 defeats
Score prediction: Pats edge this classic 4-3.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
