League of Ireland Betting Tips 2026 – Kieran Burke’s Weekly LOI Predictions for BAR 1 Betting
The League of Ireland is back, and so too are Kieran Burke’s weekly LOI betting columns for BAR 1 Betting.
The LOI TV commentator closed out the 2025 season with a level-stakes profit of +€7.64, and the host of the Between the Stripes LOI podcast will be looking to kick off the 2026 League of Ireland season in style.
Below are Burke’s League of Ireland Premier Division predictions for the opening weekend, with best bets included.
Derry City vs Sligo Rovers – League of Ireland Preview and Betting Tip
Friday, 7:45pm | Live on LOI TV
Derry City are my tip to win the League of Ireland title in 2026 at 4/1, and this opening-night fixture against Sligo Rovers represents a strong opportunity for the Candystripes to set the tone early. Derry have been the nearly men for several seasons, but there is a different feel about this squad heading into the new campaign.
This time last year, I was highly critical of Derry’s transfer approach under new manager Tiernan Lynch, who appeared to underestimate the League of Ireland, after his success with Larne, by bringing in several UK journeymen. Many of the early signings struggled to make an impact, although the summer recruitment was an improvement. Derry finished the 2025 season strongly and ended up just three points behind Shamrock Rovers, who eased off long before the finish line.
The recruitment this winter has been far more convincing, with Derry bringing in proven League of Ireland performers. Rob Slevin is a clear upgrade on the ageing Mark Connolly, who has moved north, while James Clarke has been tempted away from Bohemians despite appearing destined for a move abroad. Joshua Thomas arrives from Drogheda as a smart addition, Darragh Markey brings more quality in midfield, and the return of James McClean adds an entirely different mentality to the dressing room. If Michael Duffy can stay fit, Derry boast the best player in the country.
Sligo Rovers, meanwhile, have endured another difficult off-season under John Russell. The loss of Owen Elding to Hibernian is a major blow, James McManus has returned to Bohemians, and Patrick McClean has re-joined his brother at Derry. Ryan O’Kane has signed permanently after an impressive loan spell at the Showgrounds last season, but overall the squad appears weaker than the one that finished last year. With such a tough opening fixture, Sligo could be in for a challenging start to a season that may once again be about keeping their heads above water.
Best Bet: Derry City to win at 8/15 (+2pts)
Galway United vs Drogheda United – League of Ireland Preview and Betting Tip
Friday, 7:45pm | Live on LOI TV
I have serious concerns about Galway United heading into the 2026 League of Ireland season. The Tribesmen suffered a significant drop-off in form last year and were fortunate to avoid a relegation play-off. Given the tragic passing of Ollie Horgan, it is understandable that the club endured a difficult year off the pitch, but on it, things appear to be going a little stale under John Caulfield.
Perhaps recognising that feeling, Caulfield has overseen a major squad overhaul. Veteran goalkeeper Brendan Clarke has moved on, along with Jeannot Esua, Garry Buckley, Bobby Burns, Patrick Hickey and Rob Slevin. While some of those departures were unavoidable, the incoming players have a lot to live up to. Franceley Lomboto returns after a spell up north, Matty Wolfe arrives from Sligo where he struggled for minutes, and Lee Devitt steps up from the First Division. Kris Twardek returns for another stint in Ireland, while Wasiri Williams and Al-Amin Kazeem come with question marks based on previous spells in the league.
Once again, the responsibility for scoring goals appears to rest heavily on Stephen Walsh. Goals have been a consistent problem for Galway since their return to the Premier Division, and it is difficult to see that changing dramatically this season.
Drogheda United enjoyed an excellent 2025 campaign, even if it may not have felt that way by the end. The Louth side narrowly missed out on European qualification and were controversially knocked out of the FAI Cup on penalties by eventual winners Shamrock Rovers. Their rigid organisation and defensive discipline frustrated many opponents last season, but it was an effective approach built on genuine quality.
The partnership of Conor Keely and Andy Quinn was arguably the best centre-back pairing in the league, Conor Kane returned to his best form at left-back, and Luke Dennison was one of the standout goalkeepers in the division. As is often the case when a club overperforms, Drogheda have lost key players, with Douglas James-Taylor departing mid-season and Darragh Markey joining Derry.
However, Kevin Doherty has recruited intelligently once again. Brandon Kavanagh is the type of player he often gets the best out of, arriving with a point to prove after failing to fully fulfil his potential elsewhere. Drogheda have also widened their recruitment net into MLS Next Pro, following the success of Owen Lambe last season, and there may be further value to be found there.
My one concern for Drogheda heading into 2026 is the lack of a proven goalscorer. Dare Kareem is still raw and developing, while Thomas Oluwa is not a clinical finisher. That said, this fixture features two teams who lost their top scorers last summer and have yet to properly replace them, so goals could be at a premium. At the prices, Drogheda United look significantly overpriced.
Best Bet: Drogheda United draw no bet at 17/10 (+1pt)
FREE €5 League of Ireland ACCA – BAR 1 Betting Offer
To celebrate the return of the League of Ireland, BAR 1 Betting is offering a free €5 accumulator to use on the opening weekend fixtures. This promotion will be available to all new and existing online customers from Friday morning, February 6, 2026.
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