In this post, you can find our League of Ireland tips and predictions along with our weekly acca ahead of the opening weekend of the LOI Premier Division season.
It’s that time of the week, year again! “The Greatest League in the World” is back to light up your Friday Nights and weekends!
This weekend Bohemians and Derry City will both looking to stay in touch with Shamrock Rovers at the top of the table, Galway and Waterford will be looking to ensure they aren’t dragged into the relegation conversation and Cork City and Sligo Rovers will be looking to get themselves out of the relegation places in the coming weeks.
LOI Friday Night #20 Acca Selections
Bohemians vs Galway United – Bohemians Win + Under 3.5 Total Goals – 11/8
Waterford vs Cork City – Cork City or Draw – 20/23
Sligo Rovers vs Derry City - Derry City – 4/6
A treble with these selections pays at approximately 6/1 with BoyleSports.
Bohemians vs Galway United– Friday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Bohemians – 8/13
Galway United - 7/2
Draw – 14/5
Preview
Bohemians have been this season’s surprise packages so far, overcoming an early-season wobble to accumulate 38 points from their opening 23 games; they only need 5 more to better their tally of 42 from 36 games last season. With the European Window ahead, Shamrock Rovers will not play another league game until the 1st of August. Provided they can continue to win their games in-hand, they will be well in the title conversation.
Galway United’s season is in danger of petering off, winless in their last 3 league games. Further poor results could result in them entering the conversation for the relegation/playoff places, with Waterford only 2 behind and Sligo Rovers performing exceptionally well in recent weeks. After the departure of Moses Dyer, it’ll likely come down to whether they can retain Patrick Hickey and the success of Malcom Shaw on whether or not they swerve clear of danger or get dragged into a battle.
Prediction: Bohemians 2-1 Galway United
Ahead of Europe, Pats need a win far more, and I think home advantage may swing it in their favour.
Best Bet: Bohemians Win + Under 3.5 Total Goals – 11/8
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Waterford vs Cork City – Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Waterford – 5/6
Cork City – 5/2
Draw – 11/4
Preview
Waterford have been a whirlpool of emotions this season, and that’s probably encapsulated best in their last two league games. First going toe-to-toe with league leaders Shamrock Rovers a couple of weeks ago, losing 1-0 and arguably being unfortunate not to have picked up points to last weekend where they were hammered 7-2 by Derry City. While there’s quality on the side, I’d question their mental resilience if they get dragged further into the relegation picture.
It's do-or-die for Cork City Football Club, and following their “showpiece” event at Páirc Uí Chaoimh midweek, they must now rack up some results in their next 3 games or they’re destined for another relegation. Further bodies are needed in the door, but they need to bring in said bodies they’ve signed already, Odumosu, Kelleher, Feeley and Lutz at a start to try and peg Sligo Rovers back.
Prediction: Waterford 1-1 Cork City
Both teams are in dire need of a reaction. I think if Cork City start their new signings, they may have more mentally about them to get some sort of result, but I wouldn’t count on it either.
Best Bet: Cork City or Draw – 20/23
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Sligo Rovers vs Derry City – Saturday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Sligo Rovers – 4/1
Derry City – 4/6
Draw – 5/2
Preview
Sligo Rovers continued their strong run of form last Saturday evening, holding league leaders Shamrock Rovers to a 2-2 and had it not been for a Honohan equaliser in the 63rd minute, it could have been even better for the Bit O’Red. That’s now 8 points from their last 5 league games, and there is a growing feeling about John Russell’s side that they can get themselves out of a relegation scrap.
Derry City continue to quietly go about their business and creep up the table, but following their 7-2 hammering over Waterford last weekend, they’re becoming impossible to ignore in the fight to make the 2025 season a title race. If they’re to peg back Shamrock Rovers, nothing but wins are acceptable, though, and they’ve slipped up against Sligo Rovers before.
Prediction: Sligo Rovers 1-2 Derry City
Two sides battling on opposite ends of the table, but both are in good form, I think Derry City’s experience may be enough to get them the win, though.
Best Bet: Derry City – 4/6
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
*Prices are subject to fluctuation
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