2026 LOI Betting Column | Matchday 2 | Cork City Set For Title Romp
The 2026 League of Ireland First Division finally gets underway this week, arriving a week after the Premier Division burst back into life with late drama on opening night. Derry City and Drogheda United both struck late to claim opening-round wins, but the First Division may not deliver the same edge-of-your-seat finishes this season, with Cork City widely expected to make an immediate return to the top flight.
Last week’s opening betting column delivered a strong start to the campaign, landing two winners from two selections for a level-stakes profit of +2.77 points (+7.64 points last season). Week 2, however, looks like a trickier punting proposition as teams continue to size each other up in the early stages of the season.
Former League of Ireland manager Shane Keegan, who featured on this week’s League of Ireland Lowdown, tipped draws in three of the five Premier Division fixtures this weekend, and he may not be far wrong. At this time of year, it’s all about putting early profit on the board, so I’m siding with two early-season “bankers” to build on a solid start.
Derry City vs Dundalk FC
Friday, 7.45pm – LOI TV
Derry City needed two late goals to overcome Sligo Rovers on opening night and could face a similar test when newly promoted Dundalk FC visit the Brandywell.
The Lillywhites are still waiting to make their competitive return to the Premier Division after last week’s trip to Tallaght Stadium was postponed. That delay may leave Ciarán Kilduff’s side with a bit of rust to shake off, something Derry will be keen to exploit with four of their opening league fixtures coming at home.
This fixture was originally due to take place in Dundalk, but ongoing redevelopment work at Oriel Park has resulted in a reversal. Even before Tiernan Lynch’s arrival, Derry have often struggled to break down teams sitting deep. While that ultra-defensive approach isn’t typically Kilduff’s style, Dundalk are stepping up a level, and pragmatism may be required.
Derry eventually wore Sligo down through sheer dominance of possession and fitness, and a similar pattern could unfold here. City fans may once again be forced to wait for a decisive moment late on.
It’s also worth noting that on Episode 2 of League of Ireland Lowdown, Shane Keegan tipped Josh Thomas to score and Derry City to win as his best bet of the weekend, a recommendation that makes plenty of sense.
Best Bet: Derry City (3/5) +2 pts
Cork City vs Treaty United
Friday, 7.45pm – LOI TV
Cork City are quickly earning a reputation as the League of Ireland’s ultimate yo-yo club. Should they claim the First Division title this season, as many expect, it would be their third second-tier title in five seasons.
While the Rebels continue to search for long-term stability at the top level, they are operating on an entirely different plane to their First Division rivals. The presence of former Ireland international Seani Maguire and ex-St Patrick’s Athletic striker Ruairi Keating underlines the financial muscle City possesses at this level.
Maguire had been linked with a move to Shamrock Rovers before committing his future to Cork, and he has looked sharp in pre-season. Injuries disrupted both Maguire and Keating last year, but the physical demands of the First Division should ease that burden. The addition of Hans Mpongo from Finn Harps, who impressed after arriving in Donegal last summer, further strengthens their attacking options.
While this Cork City squad may not be as strong as last season’s Premier Division group, or even their previous First Division-winning side, one fully fit Maguire or Keating could rack up serious goal numbers.
Treaty United deserve credit for reaching the play-offs last season, with Tommy Barrett once again extracting maximum value from a squad short on household names. The return of goalkeeper Jack Brady is a huge boost; the former Drogheda United man may well be the standout number one in the division.
Treaty have often frustrated Cork in recent seasons, with the last four competitive meetings ending in draws, three of them finishing 1-1. With understandable local apathy surrounding yet another First Division campaign, Turners Cross may not have its usual opening-night edge.
Barrett’s side will be well organised and difficult to break down, but Cork City’s quality should tell eventually.
Best Bet: Cork City (1/3) + 3 pts
