In this post, you can find our League of Ireland tips, predictions plus weekly acca as we look forward to the penultimate round of league action.
It’s that time of the week again! “The Greatest League in the World” is back in action Friday and Saturday Night, and there is plenty to play for in what has been a dramatic end of the season in the title, European and relegation races!
League of Ireland Tips – Week 35 Acca Selections
Shelbourne vs Drogheda - Shelbourne Win + Under 1.5 Goals @ 5/1
Galway United vs Sligo Rovers – Sligo Rovers @ 9/2
Waterford vs Bohemians – Draw @ 12/5
St Patrick’s Athletic vs Derry City – St Patrick’s Athletic @ 7/5
Dundalk vs Shamrock Rovers – Shamrock Rovers Win + Under 3.5 Goals @ EVS
An accumulator with these selections pays at approximately 537/1 with BoyleSports.
Shelbourne v Drogheda– Friday 7.45 pm, RTE 2
Odds
Shelbourne @ 8/15
Drogheda @ 9/2
Draw @ 14/5
Preview
Shelbourne ended their five-game winless run in the Premier Division last Friday Night at a crucial point of the season coming from 0-1 behind to win the game 3-1 and maintain their status at the top of the table with two games remaining. Shelbourne are yet to beat Drogheda this season with three draws occurring, but they need to end another winless streak on Friday if they’re to maintain control of the title race.
The calm before the storm in Drogheda, last weekend's results simultaneously confirmed they would not be automatically relegated but they would have a relegation playoff to contend with in the coming weeks to add to their FAI Cup Final. While Drogheda will want to maintain a good run of form ahead of those games they may choose to rest, rehabilitate or experiment for this game.
Prediction: Shelbourne 1-0 Drogheda
These games are always narrow affairs, but Shelbourne have more to play for and I think that’ll give them the slight edge needed.
Best Bet: Shelbourne Win + Under 1.5 Goals @ 9/2
Galway United v Sligo Rovers – Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Galway United @ 8/15
Sligo Rovers @ 9/2
Draw @ 14/5
Preview
Galway have gone from their First Division dominance last season to being involved in the unlikeliest Premier Division title races up until a game or so ago in what has been an incredible season under John Caulfield. Ironically, despite their performances in 2024 deserve a European Spot they’re now unlikely to do so and will be relying on results in other games as well as picking up two wins in their remaining games.
Sligo Rovers have had a similarly strong season this time under John Russell navigating injury issues, poor runs of form, media speculation and a relatively thin playing budget to have them in contention for a European Spot up until a game or so ago. However, while it is unlikely that they do so now, a win in this game would mean that they’d be in the driving position to finish ahead of Galway going into the final game of the season.
Prediction: Galway United 0-1 Sligo Rovers
Bet on League of Ireland Odds at BoyleSports
Waterford v Bohemians– Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Waterford @ 6/4
Bohemians @ 7/5
Draw @ 9/4
Preview
Waterford are another side who have taken to Premier Division Football like a duck to water this season under Keith Long. So much so that up until a few weeks ago and for large spurts of the season they looked like they could contend for a European Place. However, three defeats in their last four games means they have very little to play for in the final few weeks though a draw in this game ensures they finish above Bohemians.
Bohemians' victory against Sligo Rovers last weekend finally secured their Premier Division status for 2025 putting away fears that they could fall into the relegation playoff places. That will be huge for the club going forward and with an FAI Cup Semi-Final appearance this year along with the returns of Devoy and Tierney there are still grounds for optimism for the next season.
Prediction: Waterford 1-1 Bohemians
Although both sides are technically competing to finish above one another, it’s largely a dead rubber and I can see it being a draw because of that.
Best Bet: Draw @ 9/4
St Patrick’s Athletic v Derry City– Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
St Patrick’s Athletic @ 7/5
Derry City @ 13/8
Draw @ 21/10
Preview
What a run this has been under Stephen Kenny! Their 2-1 victory against Galway last weekend made it seven successive league wins and puts them in a strong position in these final two games of securing Europe for 2025 along with still harbouring an outside chance of the unlikeliest of league victories if the result goes their way and they win their remaining games.
Derry City are another side in this dramatic title race and with them trailing Shelbourne by two points a win will guarantee that they take the Premier Division title race in the final game week of the season where they ironically will play Shelbourne. This is a huge few games for Higgins's side before they even start to think about their FAI Cup Final.
Prediction: St Patrick’s Athletic 2-1 Derry City
Defeat for Pat’s would put their title hopes up in flames and could potentially do the same for Derry City too. However, Pats need a win, and I think Derry might second-guess themselves.
Best Bet: St Patrick’s Athletic @ 7/5
Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers– Sunday 5.45 pm, Virgin Sport
Odds
Dundalk @ 15/2
Shamrock Rovers @ 3/10
Draw @ 15/4
Preview
Dundalk are officially relegated, which is a far cry from their European heights under Stephen Kenny less than a decade ago. However, off-the-field matters remain contentious, and the club’s long-term safety is far from out of deep water. The next few weeks will be critical for their survival.
Shamrock Rovers will have to contend with a European tie with Larne before they get to this game but also know that six points from their remaining two games will give them a serious chance of landing another Premier Division title.
Prediction: Dundalk 0-3 Shamrock Rovers
This result is going to go one way, and I expect a convincing away win no matter what team they put out on Sunday.
Bet on League of Ireland Odds at BoyleSports
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