In this post, you can find our League of Ireland tips, predictions plus weekly acca as we look forward to the final round of the League of Ireland Premier Division season.
The title race has come down to the wire in one of the most memorable home stretches to the Irish domestic season in some time. Shelbourne hold the top position as things stand and know that a win will secure their first Premier Division title since 2006. If Shels slip up then Shamrock Rovers, with a win against Waterford, can steal what looked for long stretches this season like an improbable 5th consecutive league title.
Check out the full table below:
League of Ireland Tips – Matchday 36 Acca Selections
Derry City vs Shelbourne – Shelbourne Win + Under 2.5 Goals @ 9/2
Shamrock Rovers vs Waterford - Shamrock Rovers Win + Under 3.5 Goals @ 5/4
Drogheda vs Dundalk – Draw @ 5/2
Sligo Rovers vs St Patrick’s Athletic – St Patrick’s Athletic -1 @ 21/10
Bohemians vs Galway United - Draw @ 21/10
An accumulator with these selections pays at approximately 415/1 with BoyleSports.
Derry City v Shelbourne – Friday 7.45 pm, RTE 2
Odds
Derry City @ 5/4
Shelbourne @ 9/5
Draw @ 11/5
Preview
Derry City’s Premier Division title chances finally went up in flames last weekend when they lost 1-0 to St Patrick Athletic, a result which saw manager Ruaidhrí Higgins receive considerable criticism from Derry City supporters. However, they have an FAI Cup Final to contend in the next few weeks and the perfect preparation for that would be by severely denting Shelbourne’s title prospects with a draw or even a win.
If one asked Damien Duff and the Shelbourne supporters at the beginning of the season whether they’d have taken being in title contention for their final fixture of the season then they certainly would’ve bitten your hand off for that result. However, after leading the league for large portions of the season there would be unassailable disappointment if they were to fall at the final hurdle Friday. Their 2-1 win over Drogheda last weekend suggests they’ve maintained their mental strength till now though.
Prediction: Derry City 0-1 Shelbourne
Derry City can crash Shelbourne’s title-winning party on Friday, a chance they will relish, but I think Shelbourne could do just enough to secure their 2024 Premier Division title.
Best Bet: Shelbourne Win + Under 2.5 Goals @ 9/2
Shamrock Rovers v Waterford – Friday 7.45 pm, RTE News Now
Odds
Shamrock Rovers @ 1/5
Waterford @ 9/1
Draw @ 9/2
Preview
Shamrock Rovers head into the final weekend of the season with strong chances of landing their fifth successive Premier Division title. Despite their slow start to the season their narrow 0-1 victory over Dundalk at the weekend means they’ve won 12 points in their last 5 league games with only St Patrick’s Athletic winning more with their 15. Games between both have been hotly contested though with 1 win for Waterford 1-3 and though Shamrock Rovers won twice it was by a sole goal both times 1-2 and on both occasions.
Waterford ahead of their final game of the season are assured that they will finish in 7th place, something their supporters would’ve taken at the beginning of the season even though they were competing for the most unlikely of European Places up until a few weeks ago. They’ve two points in their last 5 league games but as shown by their head-to-head against Rovers this season they’re more than capable of a win or at least a draw.
Prediction: Shamrock Rovers 3-0 Waterford
Shamrock Rovers are on a mission, and I fully expect them to do their job on Friday Night and win at home.
Best Bet: Shamrock Rovers Win + Under 3.5 Goals @ 5/4
Drogheda v Dundalk– Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Drogheda @ 10/11
Dundalk @ 21/10
Draw @ 5/2
Preview
Drogheda have a busy few weeks ahead of them with an FAI Cup Final date and a relegation playoff to contend with. It’s a rare occasion where the Louth Derby will be overshadowed by other fixtures, but they will still want to go into those games on the back of their final derby in the Premier Division for at least a season.
Dundalk will be in the First Division for the 2025 season, but right now given their complicated off-the-field issues that will be the least of their worries with the medium to short-term future of the club more of a priority. It’ll be interesting to see the mood of Dundalk supporters during this game.
Prediction: Drogheda 1-1 Dundalk
Even though Drogheda have had a far more positive 2024 season, I think Dundalk might get themselves a draw to close out their season.
Best Bet: Draw @ 5/2
Sligo Rovers v St Patrick’s Athletic – Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Sligo Rovers @ 13/5
St Patrick’s Athletic @ 8/11
Draw @ 21/10
Preview
Sligo Rovers have had a positive season under John Russell which also saw them in an unlikely Premier Division title race up until a few weeks ago. Their 2-2 draw against Galway last weekend means they will need to win this game and hope Galway lose to Bohemians if they want to finish 5th in the league though.
St Patrick’s Athletic are flying under Stephen Kenny and their 1-0 win over Derry City simultaneously ended Derry’s title aspiration as well as continued their 10-match winning run in all competitions. It’s a shame that the season doesn’t have 2/3 games left as they would’ve very likely won the league.
Prediction: Sligo Rovers 0-2 St Patrick’s Athletic
Win and Pats secure Europe for the 2025 season and that’s exactly what I expect them to do.
Best Bet: St Patrick’s Athletic -1 @ 21/10
Bohemians v Galway United – Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Bohemians @ 13/8
Galway United @ 7/5
Draw @ 21/10
Preview
Bohemians have secured their safety in recent games and so will head into the final game of the season with little to play for but also little pressure. Whether that’s the catalyst for a performance or a game they sleepwalk through remains to be seen.
Galway would secure 5th place for their return to the Premier Division if they avoid defeat in this game. Caulfield and Horgan deserve credit for the job they’re doing with their effective albeit unpleasant brand of football.
Prediction: Bohemians 1-1 Galway United
Can see both sides cancelling each other out to close out their 2024 season.
Best Bet: Draw @ 21/10
*Prices are subject to fluctuation.
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