Early Season Talking Points
It’s been a weather-disrupted start to the new League of Ireland season, with multiple postponements across the opening two weeks. Despite the stop-start nature of the campaign, several major storylines are already emerging across both the Premier Division and First Division.
Pre-season title favourites Derry City, boasting a star-studded squad led by returning talisman James McClean, have yet to truly convince. The Candystripes required a late penalty just to salvage a point at home to newly promoted Dundalk FC on Friday night.
There have been positives elsewhere. Collie Whelan, plagued by injuries in recent seasons, hit a hat-trick in last week’s demolition of Sligo Rovers, while Drogheda United are two wins from two and yet to concede a goal.
In the First Division, Cork City left it late to beat Treaty United on opening weekend, but the standout result came as Wexford FC hammered Cobh Ramblers at St. Colman’s Park.
LOI TV commentator Kieran Burke (+1.77 in 2026, +7.44 2025) looks ahead to this week’s fixtures and shares his best bets across the Premier and First Divisions.
Shelbourne vs Galway United Preview (Fri, 7:45pm, LOI TV)
Two sides who saw fixtures postponed last week meet at Tolka Park. The extra time on the training ground may benefit Shelbourne FC, particularly with new signing Will Jarvis continuing to reintegrate into the squad.
Jarvis returned from Grimsby and featured off the bench in Shels’ opening-night draw away to Waterford. However, he has played limited first-team football since leaving Ireland in 2024 and may need time to reach peak sharpness.
Galway United, meanwhile, have had plenty of time to reflect on their late defeat to Drogheda on matchday one. Time on the training pitch won’t fix their main issue, though, a lack of attacking quality.
Expect Galway to sit deep and compact in Dublin, aiming to frustrate the hosts. Shelbourne have struggled to break down low blocks in the past, but Jarvis could provide the extra cutting edge they’ve lacked.
Shelbourne edged Galway 1-0 at Tolka Park last September, and a similar outcome looks likely again.
Best Bet: Shelbourne win & under 3.5 goals (13/10) +2pts
Dundalk FC vs Drogheda United Preview (Fri, 8:00pm, Virgin Media 3)
The first Louth derby since 2024 takes centre stage at Oriel Park, and this local rivalry should deliver plenty of bite.
After relegation in 2024, Dundalk bounced straight back at the first attempt. Many tipped them to struggle again, but Ciarán Kilduff’s smart recruitment has impressed. Their hard-earned draw away to Derry last week was hugely encouraging.
Drogheda arrive as early pacesetters with two wins and two clean sheets. Set-pieces have been a key weapon so far, and they’ll likely target similar joy after Dundalk conceded cheaply from a corner last week.
Drogheda’s defensive solidity is no fluke. They remain one of the most organised sides in the league and are well balanced with plenty of physacility and good counter attacking quality. The sides met in pre-season’s Malone Cup, drawing 1-1 before Dundalk prevailed on penalties.
With a big crowd expected and a new astro surface in play, Drogheda may look to slow the tempo at times in an attempt to take some of the sting out of what is gloing to be a ferocious atmosphere. Don’t be surprised to see goalkeeper Luke Dennison managing the clock when needed.
Best Bet: Drogheda United draw no bet (17/10) +2pts
Treaty United vs Bray Wanderers Preview (Fri, 7:45pm, LOI TV)
I was at the Carlisle Grounds for Bray Wanderers’ season opener against Longford Town. Tipped by many as promotion contenders, Bray didn’t fully convince.
They probably should have won, missing two big second-half chances, but those openings owed more to Longford errors than attacking brilliance.
Bray are again leaning heavily on youth after a strong 2025 campaign, but the loss of experienced figures like Max Murphy and Killian Cantwell could hurt. The squad may not be as strong as some believe.
Treaty United rarely boast big names, but Tommy Barrett consistently maximises what he has. That was evident as they pushed Cork City close at Turner’s Cross on opening weekend.
Treaty are typically well organised and unlikely to gift chances like Longford did. With a strong crowd expected at the Markets Field for their first home game of 2026, this represents an early character test for Bray.
Best Bet: Treaty United double chance (1/2) +1pt
Kieran’s Acca
- Shamrock Rovers
- Drogheda United double chance
- Treaty United double chance
- BTTS Longford Town v Cobh Ramblers
- ODDS: 8.54/1 (+1pt)
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