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 again! “The Greatest League in the World” is back to light up your Friday Night and weekend! We’re nearing the business end, too, with a little over a month left to decide the respective Title, European and Relegation Races.
LOI Acca Selections
LOI Friday Night #27 Acca Selections
Shamrock Rovers vs Bohemians – Shamrock Rovers @ 4/
Galway United vs Cork City - Cork City +1 @ 6/4
Shelbourne vs Waterford - Shelbourne @ 4/9
Drogheda United vs Derry City - Drogheda +1 @ 3/4
Sligo Rovers vs St Patrick’s Athletic - BTTS @ 7/10
An accumulator with these selections pays at approximately 18/1 with BoyleSports.
Shamrock Rovers vs Bohemians
Shamrock Rovers vs Bohemians – Friday 7:45 pm, Virgin Media 2
Odds
Shamrock Rovers – 4/5
Bohemians – 3/1
Draw – 12/5
Preview
Following their 1-2 victory over Waterford on Monday Night, Stephen Bradley’s side know if they win on Friday Night and results go their way, they will secure the title for the 2025 Premier Division season. While Rovers have arguably failed to replicate their European showings in the league, the reality is that they haven’t been pushed enough for them to need to, and it’s only a matter of when, not if, they finish the job.
Despite a few questionable performances recently for Bohemians, it’s still been a strong season on the field for the club, and with them 2nd with 5 games remaining, they look to be in prime place to secure a return to European Football in 2026. Interestingly, like their opponents, they also played Waterford in their last game, winning it also in a 2-1 scoreline, albeit at home.
Prediction: Shamrock Rovers 2-0 Bohemians
Ahead of this game, Shamrock Rovers have 1 win in the head-to-head this season, while Bohemians have 2. However, I expect the home side to do the business on Friday Night.
Best Bet: Shamrock Rovers @ 4/5
Galway United vs Cork City
Galway United vs Cork City – Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Galway United – 1/2
Cork City – 9/2
Draw – 16/5
Preview
Galway United’s defeat on Monday Night in the Connacht Derby means their dismal run of form has now taken them into the relegation/playoff place, 3 points adrift of both Waterford and Sligo Rovers. However, with that being said, they remain 8 clear of their opponents and the automatic relegation spot, and a win in this game would effectively relegate Cork City back into the First Division.
While Cork City’s last-gasp draw with Shamrock Rovers last Friday Night sparked hope of revival, they were brought back to reality following their 4-0 defeat to St Patrick’s Athletic on Monday Night. It’s certainly now do-or-die for the club, win and they have somewhat of a lifeline, cutting the gap to 5, draw and nothing changes, and a defeat will effectively relegate them.
Prediction: Galway United 0-1 Cork City
Though Cork City have failed to win on the road this season, and I do think they will be relegated, I still fancy them to get the win in this game, albeit narrowly.
Best Bet: Cork City +1 @ 6/4
Shelbourne vs Waterford
Shelbourne vs Waterford – Friday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Shelbourne – 4/9
Waterford – 5/1
Draw – 3/1
Preview
It’s fair to say that it hasn’t been the ideal title defence for Shelbourne in 2025, though Joey O’Brien has steadied the ship in recent weeks. With European Group Stages inbound, they will be hoping to secure a return to Europe for next season, and to do so will likely need to secure close to maximum points from their final 6 league games.
Waterford have lost four on the bounce in the Premier Division, which now means that with 5 games remaining, they’re not safe from relegation just yet. With rumours abound that John Coleman, who only came in earlier this season, is already under pressure for his job, further points will be needed to ensure Galway United don’t leapfrog them in the closing weeks of the season.
Prediction: Shelbourne 2-0 Waterford
Two sides badly need of points for very different reasons, but the home side should have far too much about them for this fixture.
Best Bet: Shelbourne @ 4/9
Drogheda vs Derry City
Drogheda vs Derry City – Friday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Drogheda - 11/4
Derry City – 20/21
Draw – 21/10
Preview
Arguably, the most resilient club on the island, both on and off the field, this season has been Drogheda. Despite yearly expectations from the commentariat that they’re “bound for relegation” as well as their controversial expulsion from Europe. Kevin Doherty’s side have continued to pick up strong league results, and their 2-1 win over Shelbourne on Monday Night has them just hovering outside a European Place with 5 games remaining.
Derry City invested considerably in the off-season, and Tiernan Lynch was immediately thrust into the pressure of returning the club to Europe for 2026. While their performances have been inconsistent at times, they owe an awful lot to the form of Michael Duffy. They’re only a few wins away from doing just that.
Prediction: Drogheda 1-1 Derry City
Drogheda are consistently stubborn, and Derry City can be relatively unreliable; I can see both sides cancelling one another out.
Best Bet: Drogheda +1 @3/4
Sligo Rovers vs St Patrick’s Athletic
Sligo Rovers vs St Patrick’s Athletic – Saturday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Sligo Rovers - 10/3
St Patrick’s Athletic – 4/6
Draw – 11/4
Preview
The Bit O’Red are finally off the bottom two, bouncing back from their controversial FAI Cup exit to earn a crucial draw over Drogheda and victory over Galway United. They now find themselves in 7th spot, and another few points will likely confirm their status for the 2025 season.
The perennial sprint finish to the season from Stephen Kenny’s side has them in 4th place with 5 games remaining. However, with Drogheda and Shelbourne breathing down their necks, they have little room for error in the closing weeks of the season if they’re to secure a European Place. Though with Mason Melia flying, you’d back them to win more than they lose.
Prediction: Sligo Rovers 1-3 St Patrick’s Athletic
I’m expecting a spree of goals in this game, but Pats should still have the better of the home side.
Best Bet: BTTS @ 7/10
*Prices are subject to fluctuation.
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