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.
This weekend we’ve a huge game in the battle for safety with Sligo Rovers hosting Waterford live on Virgin Media , Bohemians host Derry City , Dundalk play Galway United and Drogheda and St Patrick’s Athletic will battle for points in their opposite challenges
In 2026? Expect. The. Unexpected.
LOI Acca Selections
LOI Friday Night #25 Acca Selections
Sligo Rovers vs Waterford – Sligo Rovers @ 17/10
Bohemians vs Derry City – Draw @ 12/5
Dundalk vs Galway United –Dundalk @ 4/6
Drogheda vs St Patrick’s Athletic - St Patrick’s Athletic @ 8/13
an accumulator with these selections pays approximately 23/1 with BOYLE Sports .
Sligo Rovers vs Waterford
Sligo Rovers vs Waterford Friday 8 pm, Virgin Media Two
Odds
Sligo Rovers – 17/10
Waterford – 23/20
Draw – 5/2
Preview
Sligo Rovers had their first victory of the Darren Purse era last weekend when they won 4-0 in the FAI Cup against First Division side Kerry FC. Though the scoreline flattered them, it means since the appointment of the new manager they’ve only lost once, with two draws and a win from their four fixtures.
Waterford have been absolutely exceptional since the appointment of Graham Coughlan, and their eleven points from their last five league games have them top of the form table on goal difference ahead of Shamrock Rovers . They then got over the line in the FAI Cup, albeit narrowly, when defeating Athlone Town 2-1.
Prediction: Sligo Rovers 2-1 Waterford
Sligo Rovers really require a win if they’re to give themselves a genuine fighting chance of survival and despite the form of both, I fancy them to do so narrowly.
Best Bet: Sligo Rovers @ 17/10
Bohemians vs Derry City
Bohemians vs Derry City – Friday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Bohemians - 10/11
Derry City – 5/2
Draw – 12/5
Preview
Bohemians have lost ground in any unlikely challenge, having only one point from their last two fixtures, which now means they trail St Patrick’s Athletic by three and Shamrock Rovers by ten points. A positive performance against Midtjylland and a comfortable win over Longford Town 4-0 in the FAI Cup show they retain quality.
There could be a book written about the goings on both on and off the field at Derry City 2026, and that’s only accounting for what has been put in the public domain! With nine league games remaining, they’re almost as close to the relegation playoff places (five ahead) than they’re off the final European place (four points). They, like their opponents, retain a chance at an FAI Cup though.
Prediction: Bohemians 1-1 Derry City
This could very well end up being an FAI Cup Final in the coming weeks, and I’m not sure there’s much between both sides on any given day.
Best Bet: Draw @ 12/5
Dundalk vs Galway United
Dundalk vs Galway United Friday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Dundalk – 4/6
Galway United -14/5
Draw – 3/1
Preview
Dundalk’s league form has taken a downturn in recent weeks with only two points from their last five league games. It almost seems like their FAI Cup 8-0 hammering of Castlebar Celtic came at just the right time for Ciaran Kilduff and his squad, which should ensure they’ve confidence going into this game.
Galway United booked their place in the FAI Cup quarter-finals albeit narrowly after an 1-1 after extra time draw they eventually won on 5-3 on penalties against First Division outfit Bray Wanderers. Though they’ve six points from their last five league games including three consecutive draws but that only has them two above both Waterford and Drogheda and eight ahead of Sligo Rovers . Thus their Premier Division status for 2026 is far from guaranteed yet.
Prediction: Dundalk 1-0 Galway United
Both sides are in bad need of a win on opposite ends of the table but I think Dundalk should have enough to get over the line.
Best Bet: Dundalk @ 4/6
Drogheda vs St Patrick’s Athletic
Drogheda vs St Patrick’s Athletic Friday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Drogheda – 15/4
St Patrick’s Athletic – 8/13
Draw – 11/4
Preview
Drogheda may have just one defeat from their last five league matches, but given the tight nature at the bottom a tally of six points is only enough to have them second from bottom, six ahead of bottom-placed Sligo Rovers behind Waterford by goal difference and two back of Galway United . Kevin Doherty's side may have won an FAI Cup in recent seasons but they've work on their hands if they're to secure their Premier Division safety.
St Patrick’s Athletic should head into this game bouncing following their dramatic 3-2 win over Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup last weekend. However, attentions now turn to the league and if they're to stand an outside chance of getting back into the title race, there's no room for error in the coming weeks.
Prediction: Drogheda 0-2 St Patrick’s Athletic
St Patrick Athletic are unbeaten in their eleven games in this fixture including three wins from three this season and I expect them to make it four from four for the season this weekend
Best Bet: St Patrick’s Athletic @ 8/13
Prices are subject to fluctuation
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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.
