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! Shamrock Rovers currently lead the way, 8 clear of closest challengers Bohemians.
LOI Friday Night #21 Acca Selections
Cork City vs Sligo Rovers – Sligo Rovers or Draw – 8/11
Derry City vs Bohemians – Bohemians or Draw – 8/15
Galway United vs Waterford – Waterford – 14/5
An accumulator with these selections pays at approximately 9/1 with BoyleSports.
Cork City vs Sligo Rovers– Friday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Cork City – EVS
Sligo Rovers – 23/10
Draw – 23/10
Preview
Cork City had a much-needed reprieve from their dismal Premier Division form at the weekend when they had a 3-0 victory over Leicester Celtic in the FAI Cup. Friday Night will be their biggest game of the season, though, where they will look to win a relegation 6-pointer which would cut the gap between themselves and Sligo Rovers with 11 games left to save their season and, by extension, their Premier Division status for 2026.
Sligo Rovers have taken 8 points from their last 4 league matches, which has only been bettered by Derry City’s tally of 9. and before the break for the FAI Cup actually beat the Northern side 2-0. That run of form has exploded a new lease of life into their prospects for 2025, and another win could cut the gap between themselves and Galway United to just 3 points.
Prediction: Cork City 1-2 Sligo Rovers
Cork City must win, or their Premier Division survival hopes will get even fainter. I fancy Sligo Rovers to get something from this game, though their younger players are more consistent and the experience they’ve added should trump that of Cork City.
Best Bet: Sligo Rovers or Draw – 8/11
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Derry City vs Bohemians – Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Derry City – 11/8
Bohemians – 2/1
Draw – 19/10
Preview
Ahead of the 2025 Derry City invested considerably into their squad with a huge emphasis on bringing further experienced heads into their team. Following a tough start to the season, it seemed like Tiernan Lynch was finally getting a tune out of his squad, though their defeat to Sligo Rovers last weekend ended their run of four consecutive wins, and they are now 1 point behind Bohemians in the Premier Division.
Alan Reynolds has silenced his early-season doubters and has guided Bohemians to 2nd in the table with a tally of 41 points from their opening 24 games of the season. For comparison, last season they only had 42 from 36 games. It’s a testament to being patient with under-fire managers, and they now look well placed to qualify for Europe in 2026.
Prediction: Derry City 1-1 Bohemians
This is a huge game in the context of who can challenge Shamrock Rovers for the title this season. I think they cancel one another out, with Bohemians' good value to avoid defeat.
Best Bet: Bohemians or Draw – 8/15
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Galway United vs Waterford– Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Galway United - 4/5
Waterford – 14/5
Draw – 5/2
Preview
Galway United are in danger of spiralling into the relegation conversation. Following just 4 points from their last 5 league games, it now means they’re only 6 ahead of Sligo Rovers, who occupy the relegation/playoff spot. Even their 2-0 win over Tolka Rovers in the FAI Cup last week was far from convincing against a side which finished 9th in the Leinster Senior League last season
Waterford have been hit and miss in 2025 and at the beginning of the month were hammered 7-2 by Derry City. Since then, though, they’ve bounced back with a huge 2-0 Munster Derby victory over Cork City as well as a 5-1 hammering of St Mochta’s in the FAI Cup last Friday Night. They seem to have that bit more about them and should be clear of relegation come the end of the season.
Prediction: Galway United 0-2 Waterford
A relegation/playoff 6 pointer, but I think Waterford have far more about them for this game and can see them earning a crucial victory.
Best Bet: Waterford – 14/5
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
*Prices are subject to fluctuation
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