It’s that time of the week again! “The Greatest League in the World” is back to light up your weekend! In this post, our League of Ireland tips and predictions, along with our weekly acca, ahead of another weekend in the LOI Premier Division.
Another European week in the Premier Division, but the reduced rota still hosts some major fixtures in the respective title, European race and particularly the battle for safety.
In 2026? Expect. The. Unexpected.
LOI Acca Selections
LOI Friday Night #22 Acca Selections
St Patrick’s Athletic vs Dundalk – Dundalk Double Chance @ 13/10
Galway United vs Waterford – Waterford @ 11/5
Sligo Rovers vs Drogheda – BTTS @ 6/10
A treble with these three selections pays approximately 10/1 with BOYLE Sports .
St Patrick’s Athletic vs Dundalk
St Patrick’s Athletic vs Dundalk – Friday 8 pm, Virgin Media Two
Odds
St Patrick’s Athletic – 8/15
Dundalk – 15/4
Draw – 3/1
Preview
St Patrick’s Athletic made hard work of their FAI Cup tie with Wexford FC last weekend, but a 90th-minute goal from Aidan Keena was enough to secure a 2-1 victory. There’s potential for a title run, but not if they don’t find the consistency that ails them and for a side with such an array of attacking talent, I think they should be scoring more goals.
Dundalk had a much-needed break from league action last weekend, winning 3-1 against St Mochta’s in the FAI Cup, which ended a run of three consecutive defeats, all of which came in the league. Though 2026 has been positive, the closing weeks will be a huge test for their mental strength, especially with Arubi and Kenny sold to English sides in recent weeks.
Prediction: St Patrick’s Athletic 1-1 Dundalk
Pat’s need to show up this summer if they’re to stand any chance of a league victory, but I think there’s value in backing them to fluff their lines again.
Best Bet: Dundalk Double Chance @ 13/10
Galway United vs Waterford
Galway United vs Waterford– Saturday 5 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Galway United – 4/5
Waterford – 11/5
Draw – 14/5
Preview
Galway United always pick up points when it feels like they’re starting to fall, and their 3-2 win over Sligo Rovers prior to the Cup break was badly needed. They then followed that with an expected comfortable win over Crumlin United 4-0. Their chances of safety would take a further huge leap forward if they make it three consecutive wins.
Waterford are joint top of the Premier Division form table with their tally of ten in their last five, only emulated by Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic . They got out of jail in the cup last weekend to come from behind and defeat Cobh Ramblers 2-1, but that is just an example of their newfound character under Graham Coughlan .
Prediction: Galway United 0-1 Waterford
A crucial game in the battle for safety, I think the home side would be content to avoid defeat, but I can see Waterford sneaking it away from home.
Best Bet: Waterford @ 11/5
Sligo Rovers vs Drogheda
Sligo Rovers vs Drogheda – Saturday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Sligo Rovers – 17/10
Drogheda – 13/10
Draw – 23/10
Preview
Sligo Rovers have fallen to the bottom of the Premier Division table and have lost both their manager John Russell and assistant manager Ryan Casey to Shelbourne in a little over a week. It’s now do-or-die for the Bit O’Red, and any new managerial appointment will have to go into survival mode if they’re going to steer them away from relegation in the coming weeks.
Drogheda are in trouble too, even if they retained the coaching acumen of Kevin Doherty, who has also been linked with moves to the so-called “bigger” clubs in the division. Their four points from their last five league games has them only ahead of their opponents in the form table, though they’ve only earned the one.
Prediction: Sligo Rovers 1-1 Drogheda
Both teams will fancy themselves to pick up the win, and I can’t split them, but I think they will both be in amongst the goals.
Best Bet: BTTS @ 6/10
Prices are subject to fluctuation
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly
Bill is as passionate about Irish football as they come, with an agonising longing to see his country grace a World Cup stage. A League of Ireland devotee and lifelong Man United fan, he knows better than most what sporting heartbreak feels like, and brings that perspective to the BOYLE Sports Blog. With roots in greyhound racing and a curiosity spanning politics, snooker, WWE and beyond, there is rarely a sporting conversation he cannot add to.
