DUBLIN-BORN football journalist Tony Incenzo previews the forthcoming League of Ireland action for William Hill News, with tips and predictions on Monday’s action.
Our ever-competitive League of Ireland Premier Division offers another set of thought provoking fixtures on Monday night.
League Of Ireland Best Bets:
- St Patrick’s Athletic to win to nil (3/1)
- Drogheda to win (17/5)
- Waterford vs Derry to end 0-0 (11/1)
I particularly like the look of those encounters involving relegation-haunted teams prompting betting interest to increase dramatically.
Here are the upcoming pairings alongside my considered score predictions to assist your football betting…
Dundalk v St Patrick’s Athletic Prediction
- Oriel Park, Dundalk
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 4th versus 2nd
Dundalk preview – They haven’t succeeded on home turf since beating Derry City 2-1 on 29th May. Beyond then, one draw and three defeats at Oriel Park – all against lowly sides – causing any chance of European qualification to drastically fade away into oblivion.
St Patrick’s Athletic preview – Fresh from Friday night’s momentous 2-0 home victory over leaders Shamrock Rovers thereby closing the gap on first place to three points.
However, indifferent away fortunes hinder Pats in pushing for the title yielding just five victories and 20 points this year. In saying that, they’ve won their last two games on the road at Shelbourne (2-1) and Drogheda United (2-0) respectively.
Score prediction: Pats prudent 1-0.
Shelbourne v Drogheda United Prediction
- Tolka Park, Drumcondra
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 6th versus 9th
Shelbourne preview – Friday’s 1-0 reverse against visitors Derry City continued patchy form in Drumcondra.
Indeed, Shels didn’t win at home spanning three month between their opening Tolka Park fixture on 20th February right up to edging Waterford 2-1 on 22nd May.
Drogheda United preview – Reflecting on only three away maximum pointers throughout 2026. Their last road trip victory came 2-1 at Dundalk on 10th July.
Meanwhile, Friday’s 2-0 home scoreline versus Sligo Rovers was merely a second LOI win inside 15 attempts.
Score prediction: Drogs dig in 2-1.
Sligo Rovers v Galway United Prediction
- The Showgrounds, Sligo
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 10th versus 7th
Sligo Rovers preview – An important Connacht derby. I attended the previous meeting between these two sides on 11th July when Galway United edged exciting exchanges 3-2 at the temporary venue of Pearse Park GAA Stadium (Páirc an Phiarsaigh) in sunny Salthill seaside.
Overall for rock bottom Sligo, three wins and 14 points amassed across 14 home games is a truly depressing tally. Their last triumph at The Showgrounds was way back on 25th April, 2-0 versus Dundalk. Currently 10 points adrift of safety.
Galway United preview – The Tribesmen have picked up four points during their past two away LOI engagements.
Score prediction: Galway 3-2 again.
Waterford v Derry City Prediction
- Waterford Regional Sports Centre, Waterford
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Rankings: 8th versus 5th
Waterford preview – Five victories amid nine unconquered results leave Waterford two points above the danger area.
The Blues can take great heart from a fine 4-2 success away to Derry City in the last meeting between these two sides. It was on 3rd July at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Derry City preview – I simply get the feeling Derry can’t wait to reach the end of a traumatic season which has disappointed supporters so much after their commendable 2025 second placed finish.
Poor performances this time around led to the departure of boss Tiernan Lynch on 5th August. At least the Candystripes booked an FAI Cup Semi-Final berth by beating visitors Dundalk 4-2 on Sunday of last week though before running out 1-0 winners at Shelbourne on Friday.
Score prediction: Rubbish 0-0.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
