In this post, you can find our League of Ireland tips and predictions along with our weekly acca ahead of the third weekend of the LOI Premier Division season.
It’s that time of the year again! “ The Greatest League in the World ” is back to light up your weekends!
There were plenty of stories from last weekend’s action, with not a single draw occurring. Shelbourne and Derry City both came from behind to beat Drogheda and Waterford , and both Galway United and Bohemians came on the right side of their respective derbies vs Sligo and Shamrock Rovers.
It was Stephen Kenny’s Pats side who picked up the most points after battering Dundalk 4-0 at home before battling to a late 1-0 win over Galway United on Monday Night.
In 2026? Expect. The. Unexpected.
LOI Acca Selections
LOI Friday Night #5 Acca Selections
Shelbourne vs St Patrick’s Athletic – St Patrick’s Athletic Double Chance @ 4/6
Shamrock Rovers vs Derry City – Derry City Double Chance @ 4/7
Waterford vs Bohemians – Bohemians @ 4/5
Galway United vs Dundalk – Under 2.5 Goals @ 4/6
Sligo Rovers vs Drogheda - BTTS @ 4/5
An accumulator with these selections pays at approximately 13/1 with BoyleSports.
Shelbourne vs St Patrick’s Athletic
Shelbourne vs St Patrick’s Athletic – Friday 8 pm, Virgin Media 2
Odds
Shelbourne – EVS
St Patrick’s Athletic – 12/5
Draw – 23/10
Preview
Much was expected of Shelbourne in 2026 following the considerable squad investment and the impact that Joey O’Brien has had since assuming the hotseat from his former boss Damien Duff. Though they opened their season with two drab 1-1 draws, last weekend may signify a turning point, ending their hoodoo against a tough Drogheda , coming from behind to win 1-2.
Following their more understated off-season and their opening weekend draw with Bohemians at the Aviva, expectations at Pats’ had not been as low for some time. However, there may be signs of life at Richmond and following their 4-0 win over Dundalk and 1-0 win over Galway United, they’re now sat in second spot on goal difference and just three points off the top.
Prediction: Shelbourne 1-1 St Patrick’s Athletic
Two sides who should come into the weekend full of confidence, but I think the away side may get at least a point may be the value play, given there should be less pressure on them to perform.
Best Bet: St Patrick’s Athletic Double Chance @ 8/11
Shamrock Rovers vs Derry City
Shamrock Rovers vs Derry City – Friday 8 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Shamrock Rovers – 5/4
Derry City – 2/1
Draw – 11/5
Preview
Shamrock Rovers put in another disappointing Dublin Derby showing against Bohemians, though a late flurry put a gloss on the score, ending in a 3-2 defeat. A record of a win, a draw and a defeat from their opening three (in that order), it’s clear that Stephen Bradley has yet to find the correct formula to showcase the clear talent in the squad. We’ve been here many a time before, though, and they remain league favourites with good reason.
Derry City’s 4-2 comeback win over Waterford will have eased some of the early pressure on Tiernan Lynch , his coaching staff and, naturally, the players themselves. Though they’re also yet to find the correct balance on their side, I believe they’ve already shown that they’re mentally stronger than in previous seasons.
Prediction: Shamrock Rovers 1-1 Derry City
Only a 33rd-minute Markey goal separated between both sides in the Presidents’ Cup , though I think Bradley was playing a bit of 3D chess with his eleven. I can’t see much separating them come Friday Night.
Best Bet: Derry City Double Chance @ 4/7
Waterford vs Bohemians
Waterford vs Bohemians– Friday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Waterford – 14/5
Bohemians – 4/5
Draw – 5/2
Preview
Following their opening few weeks of the season, which brought about two draws and a defeat, it was unclear where exactly Waterford stood for 2026. Though they went ahead early in the second half away to Derry City last weekend, 2-1, their disappointing collapse and eventual 4-2 defeat will set alarm bells ringing among the supporter base and the long-term prospects of Jon Daly in the job.
Bohemians continue to bounce! They were exceptional in large parts against bitter Dublin Rivals Shamrock Rovers last weekend to race into a 3-0 lead. Though their late collapse nearly meant they dropped points they held on for a 3-2 win, which has them unbeaten and top of the Premier Division on ten points.
Prediction: Waterford 0-2 Bohemians
The away side will be deserved favourites, but will need to tread with caution as this is the sort of fixture they could collapse in if they don’t do a professional job.
Best Bet: Bohemians @ 4/5
Galway United vs Dundalk
Galway United vs Dundalk – Friday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Galway United – 5/4
Dundalk – 15/8
Draw – 9/4
Preview
Credit where credit is due, Galway United under John Caulfield cultivate this constant resilient core of footballers who pick up points irrespective of “style of play” and regardless of what people think of them. The modern-day Finn Harps, in a sense, which has it’s own poignant undertone. Bur they were full value for their 1-0 win against Sligo Rovers last weekend and will be targeting this game as a huge opportunity for points.
Dundalk may have made a solid start on their return to the Premier Division in the opening few weeks of the season. However, there were signs (at least for this author) that there were still elements which needed to be improved on, especially from the more experienced core, and such proved the case when they got a reality check last weekend after being battered 4-0 by Pats .
Prediction: Galway United 0-1 Dundalk
Galway United are always difficult to navigate, especially at home, and though I think Dundalk may do it, I’m not expecting many goals.
Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals @ 4/6
Sligo Rovers vs Drogheda
Sligo Rovers vs Drogheda– Saturday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Sligo Rovers – 17/10
Drogheda – 11/8
Draw – 23/10
Preview
It’s still early days, but Sligo Rovers are absolutely in trouble with one point from their opening four games, one goal scored, and seven conceded, putting them at the bottom of the table. Though they’ve become known for their positive style of play, that may not exactly be conducive to current conditions across the country, and they were outplayed by Galway United last weekend.
Drogheda fell to their first defeat of the season when Shelbourne clawed back two goals to win 2-1 last Friday Night. That shouldn’t dampen spirits in the Drogheda camp, which seems intensely united under Kevin Doherty , and their tally of seven points from their opening four games has them well in contention at the top level with St Patrick’s Athletic and Derry City.
Prediction: Sligo Rovers 1-2 Drogheda
Though early-season fortunes between both have contrasted vastly, I’m not sure there’s too much difference in innate technical ability between them, though Drogheda seem mentally stronger.
Best Bet: BTTS @ 4/5
Prices are subject to fluctuation
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