League of Ireland Tips, Predictions & ACCA – Matchday 28

In this post, you can find our League of Ireland tips along with our weekly acca as we look forward to this week's Irish Premier Division action.

It’s that time of the week again! “The Greatest League in the World” is back in action Friday Night and Sunday afternoon/night and there is plenty to play for in the respective title, European and relegation races!

League of Ireland Tips – Matchday 28 ACCA

Waterford vs Derry City - Waterford @ 7/2

Drogheda vs Sligo Rovers - Drogheda @ 23/20

Shelbourne vs Bohemians - Shelbourne @ EVS

Dundalk vs St Patrick’s Athletic - St Patrick’s Athletic Win + Under 2.5 Goals @ 15/4

Shamrock Rovers vs Galway United - Draw @ 5/2

An accumulator with these selections pays at approximately 320//1 with BoyleSports.

Waterford v Derry City – Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV

Odds

Waterford @ 7/2

Derry City @ 7/10

Draw @ 13/5

Preview

Ahead of the season a lot of commentators were predicting that Waterford would be fighting it out to avoid relegation at the bottom of the table. However, they’ve made plenty (including this writer) look silly with them now 3rd and 27 games into the season well in contention to stay in the European places. Last weekend they were controversially knocked out of the FAI Cup 2-3 against Athlone but now it means they can fully focus on the league as the season comes to a close.

Derry City are currently 2nd in the league 2 points behind Shelbourne with an extra game played, their two victories in their last two league games mean they are well in contention to finally land that elusive Premier Division title following years in the doldrums. Last weekend they overcame a tricky banana skin in Cork City defeating them 0-1 in the FAI Cup to make it three wins on the spin. A victory here would not only keep them in contention but remove Waterford from the picture behind them.

Prediction: Waterford 2-1 Derry City

Derry City are unbeaten in their last six matches against Waterford with 5 victories and 1 draw since their 1-2 defeat back in April 2021. Despite that record, I think Waterford are due a win in the tie and should be well up for it following being “robbed” in the FAI Cup last weekend.

Best Bet: Waterford @ 7/2

Drogheda v Sligo Rovers – Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV

Odds

Drogheda @ 23/20

Sligo Rovers @ 19/10

Draw @ 23/10

Preview

Drogheda are coming into the game in good form (relative to the rest of their season that is) following a 9-0 victory against Wilton United in the FAI Cup to book their place in the Quarter-Final and a run of 3 draws, 1 win a 1 defeat from their last 5 league games which means they’re only trailing their Louth rivals Dundalk who are second from bottom by 2 points. A victory in this game could lift them off the automatic relegation places with only 8 games remaining in the season.

On the other hand, Sligo Rovers were disappointingly dumped out of the FAI Cup last weekend when they lost 0-2 against First Division side UCD. However, in the league, their form has been different with 4 wins and 1 defeat in their last 5 league games putting them well in the conversation for a European Place.

Prediction: Drogheda 1-0 Sligo Rovers

This is arguably a must-win for Drogheda as one of their better chances to pick up points before the season finishes. Sligo Rovers are in good form though even if they have a poor away record against Drogheda. I think the home side can edge this if the rumoured injury issues for Sligo are proven to be true.

Best Bet: Drogheda @ 23/20

Shelbourne v Bohemians– Monday 7.45 pm, LOI TV

Odds

Shelbourne @ EVS

Bohemians @ 13/5

Draw @ 21/10

Preview

Shelbourne following their European elimination at the start of this month means that they can now concentrate fully on their domestic endeavours as the season comes to a close. Following a 1-1 draw with Galway in the FAI Cup last weekend their 5-3 penalty victory them in the Quarter-Finals. In the league, they have 8 points in their last 5 games which is solid albeit unspectacular, but it does keep them top of the league.

Bohemians have two games in hand on every team in the league not named Shamrock Rovers. However, their 3-point tally from their last 5 league games puts them well in the relegation conversation only 4 ahead of Dundalk and 6 ahead of Drogheda. Their latest game was a 2-2 FAI Cup draw against Kerry and although they won 2-4 on penalties if they replicate that performance in the league for the remainder of the season they are in serious jeopardy.

Prediction: Shelbourne 1-0 Bohemians

Shelbourne should have far too much about them for Bohemians even if it is a “Dublin Derby” I see Shelbourne winning no matter what.

Best Bet: Shelbourne @ EVS

Dundalk v St Patrick’s Athletic – Sunday 3.00 pm, LOI TV

Odds

Dundalk @ 9/5

St Patrick’s Athletic @ 5/4

Draw @ 9/4

Preview

Dundalk led by Jon Daly (returning to his former club) occupy an interesting place in the table following 5 points in their last 5 games they’re only 4 behind Bohemians above them but also only 2 ahead of bottom-placed Drogheda. This could be the game that will define their season, win they can push on but if they fall behind Drogheda they could capitulate. What happens next we will find out on Sunday.

Speaking of managers returning to clubs, Stephen Kenny seems to be sparking his magic on St Patrick’s Athletic in Europe which means they will have to contend with Istanbul on Thursday before they worry about this game. After controversy over scheduling how Kenny approaches this game may depend on what happens Thursday.

Prediction: Dundalk 0-1 St Patrick’s Athletic

Based on every plausible metric from performances, form, squad depth and manager the away side should be winning this game. However, the one chance they might have is Dundalk should be the fresher of both sides which might make the game look closer than it should be.

Best Bet: St Patrick’s Athletic Win + Under 2.5 Goals @ 15/4

Shamrock Rovers v Galway United – Sunday 7.00 pm, LOI TV

Odds

Shamrock Rovers @ 3/4

Galway United @ 16/5

Draw @ 5/2

Preview

Shamrock Rovers are another side who must first contend with Europe before their Premier Division fixture and will be tasked with getting a result against PAOK away from home on Thursday. What happens in that game remains to be seen and despite the signing of Mandriou and their considerable squad depth, I think the run of fixtures could catch their legs, especially considering their inconsistent league performances.

Galway United are a tough nut to crack, but despite 8 points from their last 5 league games they have fallen to 6th place on the table and a few poor results could leave them gone from the European race. However, a win would mean they leapfrog Shamrock Rovers at a minimum and could gain ground on those around them too.

Prediction: Shamrock Rovers 1-1 Galway United

This is a far more important game for Galway United than it is for Shamrock Rovers ahead of the close of the league season. I think the tired legs and league inconsistency will return from the Dublin side and the points could be shared on Sunday.

Best Bet: Draw @ 5/2

*Prices are subject to fluctuation.

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