LOI Week 4 Preview: Fixtures, Form & Best Bets
Last week in the League of Ireland was overshadowed by shocking scenes at the opening Louth Derby, as Drogheda United fans launched multiple flares onto the new Oriel Park pitch, causing extensive damage to the artificial surface. Off the pitch, the Boynesiders remain under scrutiny amid a bitter boardroom dispute between co-chair Joanna Byrne and the club’s American owners. On the field, the derby delivered a scrappy affair, with Drogheda snatching a late point.
Meanwhile, Bohemians’ 1-0 win over Derry City grabbed attention, as the Candystripes continue to struggle despite high-profile winter signings, including James McClean.
With Week 4 upon us, LOI TV commentator Kieran Burke returns with his latest betting column, breaking down fixtures and highlighting his top selections for the weekend.
Derry City vs Waterford FC – Fri, 7.45pm, LOI TV
Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch continues to experiment with his squad, signing Barry Cotter from Barnsley this week to bolster an already talented side. Cotter impressed previously with Shamrock Rovers and brings further quality to the Brandywell roster.
However, as noted by former Derry midfielder Gareth McGlynn on this week’s Between the Stripes LOI podcast, Lynch has deployed several players, including James McClean, in unfamiliar positions, leading to early-season inconsistency. McClean has struggled in a central midfield role, with pundit Shane Keegan predicting a return to a wider position soon on this week’s League of Ireland Lowdown.
Derry City, who have four home games to start the season, face Waterford in a fixture offering a chance to regain momentum. Waterford, under new manager Jon Daly, are adjusting to a rare 4-4-2 system, leaving gaps in midfield that Derry should exploit.
Historically, Derry City have a strong record against the Blues, winning four of their last five Brandywell encounters, including a remarkable 7-2 victory last summer. With Waterford scoring just once this season (from a set-piece), Derry keeping a clean sheet is the standout bet.
BEST BET: Derry City win to nil (11/8) +1pt
Galway United vs Sligo Rovers – Fri, 7.45pm, LOI TV
The first Connacht Derby of 2026 promises to be pivotal. Both Galway United and Sligo Rovers enter the clash winless, making this high-pressure showdown critical for early-season form.
Galway have revamped their squad after losing key players like Patrick Hickey and Rob Slevin, while Sligo saw teenage star Owen Elding depart for Hibernian. Recent reinforcements include Frantz Pierrot for Galway and James McManus (on loan from Bohemians) for Sligo.
Pierrot’s physical presence addresses Galway’s lack of a focal striker since Moses Dyer’s departure, potentially giving John Caulfield’s men a crucial attacking edge. Sligo, despite creative midfield talent like McManus, Jad Hakiki, and Ryan O’Kane, remain thin up front, a concern highlighted in last week’s goalless draw against Waterford.
With Galway historically low-scoring since their 2023 promotion, expect a tight, tactical affair.
BEST BET: Under 2.5 Goals (5/6) +2pts
Cobh Ramblers vs Finn Harps – Fri, 7.45pm, LOI TV
Cobh Ramblers bounced back from their opening-day defeat to Wexford with a disciplined away victory at Longford. Heavy pitch conditions at Bishopsgate saw Cobh’s experience shine, with the Rams handling the tough conditions better than the hosts.
Finn Harps also recovered last week with a win over UCD but face one of the longest journeys in Irish football, an 864km round-trip to Cobh. History favours the home side, as you’d expect given the grueling travel arrangements. Cobh have won the last six meetings at St. Colman’s Park and remain unbeaten there against Harps since 2018.
With strong home form carrying over from a second-place finish in 2025, Cobh should secure their first home win of 2026.
BEST BET: Cobh Ramblers (4/7) +2pts
Kieran’s Week 4 Accumulator
- Derry City
- Cork City
- Cobh Ramblers
- ODDS: 2.37/1 (+2pts)
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