It’s the final Friday of the season! “The Greatest League in the World” signs off for 2026 tonight , and we’ve got our League of Ireland tips, predictions and weekly acca for the last round in the LOI Premier Division.
Shamrock Rovers wrapped up the title last week, but there’s still plenty on the line: St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians go head-to-head for second, while Drogheda need a win and a favour from Shelbourne to escape the relegation play-off spot .
One last time in 2026 – expect the unexpected.
LOI Acca Selections
LOI Friday Night #31 Acca Selections
Dundalk vs Shamrock Rovers – Both Teams To Score @ 4/9
St Patrick’s Athletic vs Bohemians – Bohemians Double Chance @ 3/4
Drogheda United vs Galway United – Draw @ 23/10
Shelbourne vs Waterford – Shelbourne @ 5/6
Sligo Rovers vs Derry City – Derry City @ 8/15
An accumulator with these selections pays approximately 22/1 with BOYLE Sports.
Dundalk vs Shamrock Rovers
Dundalk vs Shamrock Rovers Friday 8pm, Virgin Media 2
Odds
Dundalk – 11/5
Shamrock Rovers – 20/21
Draw – 5/2
Preview
Dundalk fell to a 3-1 defeat to Derry City last weekend, which extended their miserable form to one point and four defeats from their last five league games. This is a grudge game though, especially for Ciaran Kilduff, who had words with Stephen Bradley earlier in the season.
Shamrock Rovers made sure of their sixth title in seven seasons in style, hammering Sligo Rovers 4-0 with Adam Brennan scoring twice. With nothing left to play for, don’t be surprised if they rotate, but at the same time their squad depth is one of the reasons they’re champions.
Prediction: Dundalk 1-2 Shamrock Rovers
This has the makings of an explosive affair if Dundalk turn up, but I still expect the away side to do enough.
Best Bet: Both Teams To Score @ 4/9
St Patrick’s Athletic vs Bohemians
St Patrick’s Athletic vs Bohemians Friday 7:45pm, LOI TV
Odds
St Patrick’s Athletic – 20/21
Bohemians – 23/10
Draw – 23/10
Preview
St Patrick’s Athletic saw their title hopes fizzle out with a 0-0 draw away to Galway United last Friday. It’s been a disappointing end to the season for Stephen Kenny’s side, but if they want a chance at second, they sit two points behind Bohemians, so only a win at Richmond Park will do.
Bohemians had the title in their sights until Mipo Odubeko’s 85th-minute winner for Shelbourne silenced Dalymount Park last week. A draw is enough to keep them in second, but Alan Reynolds’ side will need to pick themselves up quickly.
Prediction: St Patrick’s Athletic 1-1 Bohemians
This could come down to which side has stronger resilience, but I can see the spoils being shared.
Best Bet: Bohemians Double Chance @ 3/4
Drogheda United vs Galway United
Drogheda United vs Galway United Friday, LOI TV
Odds
Drogheda United – 23/20
Galway United – 19/10
Draw – 23/10
Preview
Drogheda United were beaten 3-1 by Waterford last week and now sit three points behind them. Kevin Doherty’s side must win and hope Waterford lose in Tolka Park, with goal difference then deciding who lands in the play-off .
Galway United are safe after their draw with St Pat’s and have only one win in their last five. Don’t expect much rotation from John Caulfield either, with a full-strength side expected.
Prediction: Drogheda United 1-1 Galway United
Drogheda have to go for it , but Galway United have the quality to frustrate them.
Best Bet: Draw @ 23/10
Shelbourne vs Waterford
Shelbourne vs Waterford Friday 7:45pm, LOI TV
Odds
Shelbourne – 5/6
Waterford – 11/5
Draw – 11/4
Preview
Shelbourne have been the season’s party poopers, beating both St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians away from home in successive weeks. John Russell’s side could play spoiler again – a heavy Shelbourne win would put Waterford’s goal difference under real pressure.
Waterford beat Drogheda 3-1 to all but avoid the play-off , but a point here would make sure of it. With an FAI Cup Final against Derry City on 8 November , Graham Coughlan could be tempted to protect his key players.
Prediction: Shelbourne 2-1 Waterford
Shels are performing well, and Waterford’s minds may drift to the Aviva.
Best Bet: Shelbourne @ 5/6
Sligo Rovers vs Derry City
Sligo Rovers vs Derry City Friday 7:45pm, LOI TV
Odds
Sligo Rovers – 4/1
Derry City – 8/15
Draw – 16/5
Preview
Sligo Rovers bow out of the Premier Division after a 4-0 defeat in Tallaght. Darren Purse’s side will want to give the Showgrounds something to cheer before life in the First Division in 2027.
Derry City beat Dundalk 3-1 last weekend and, like Waterford, have one eye on the FAI Cup Final. However, they should still have the quality to win this even with a rotated side .
Prediction: Sligo Rovers 0-2 Derry City
Derry have far more quality, even if a few regulars sit this out.
Best Bet: Derry City @ 8/15
Bet on League of Ireland Odds at BOYLE Sports
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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.
