Dublin’s sun is barely over the Aviva stands and the bookies’ boards are already humming. Here are today’s Irish Premier Division predictions, built from last-gout team news, expected-xG trends, and the whispering winds off the Liffey.
Shamrock Rovers vs. Derry City – 19:45 GMT
Tallaght’s surface is ribbon-fast after mid-week rolling. Stephen Bradley has Rory Gaffney fit, and Derry arrive without the suspended Patrick McEleney. Rovers’ 4-2-3-1 has averaged 2.14 xGF at home; Derry’s three-man back line conceded twice to Sligo last Friday. Prediction: Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Derry City — both teams to score.
St Patrick’s Athletic vs. Bohemians – 19:45 GMT
Richmond Park’s 3G carpet negates Bohs’ long-ball press. The Saints’ Jamie Lennon is back dictating tempo, while Bohs’ James Clarke is 50-50 with a calf strain. Derby heat plus cautious managers equals a chess match. Prediction: 1-1 draw — under 2.5 goals pays out.
Drogheda United vs. Shelbourne – 19:45 GMT
United’s new 3-5-2 looked porous against Dundalk, and Shels’ Will Jarvis has struck in three straight. But Drogheda’s 12-match unbeaten run in Louth derbies at Weavers Park is a psychological anchor. Prediction: Score draw 2-2 — Shelshire both teams to score lands at 1.83.
Sligo Rovers vs. UCD – 19:45 GMT
The Bit O’Red are unbeaten in five at the Showgrounds; UCD have leaked a league-high 24 goals. New students’ boss, Brennan, may park a 5-4-1 bus, but Sligo’s Aidan Keena is hunting the golden boot. Prediction: Sligo Rovers 3-0 UCD — Keena anytime scorer.
Cork City vs. Dundalk – 19:45 GMT
Turners Cross under lights is a cauldron, yet Cork’s five-game slide has fans restless. Dundalk’s new loanee, Daryl Horgan, delivered two assists on Monday and the Lilywhites have won four on the spin. Expect goals: Prediction: Dundalk 2-1 Cork City — away win & over 2.5.
Longford Town vs. Finn Harps – 19:45 GMT
Bottom-two basement battle. Longford’s new gaffer, O’Donnell, has tightened the centre, but Harps’ Tunde Owolabi is fresh off a hat-trick in the cup. A single moment could settle nerves. Prediction: Finn Harps 1-0 Longford Town — away clean sheet at 3.40.
ACCUMULATOR FOR THE BRAVE
Rovers / Shels BTTS / Sligo win / Dundalk win — four-fold returns 11.2/1 with most traders.
Stake sensibly, enjoy the Friday-night air, and may the green turf smile on your coupon.
