Thursday's League of Ireland Premier predictions including Drogheda United vs. Shelbourne

Waterford vs. St Patrick's (Thursday, 7.45pm)

Aiming to continue their push for a surprise finish in the top three of the League of Ireland Premier, Waterford United will host a St Patrick's Athletic side looking to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle when they clash at the Waterford Regional Sports Centre on Thursday.

The hosts hold a three-point lead over fourth-placed Shamrock Rovers, while the visitors sit nine points above the drop zone but have played at least twice more than those below them.

We say: Waterford United 2-1 St Patrick's Athletic

St Patrick's may have gone through a slight improvement in recent weeks but their away form has been shocking throughout the campaign, while Waterford have been extremely impressive in their first campaign back in the top flight, leading us to believe the hosts will win this one.

Drogheda vs. Shelbourne (Thursday, 7.45pm)

Looking to bring an end to their highly-concerning eight-game winless run, Drogheda United will pit their wits against league leaders Shelbourne at Weavers Park in a League of Ireland clash on Thursday night.

The Drogs come into this fixture following their heaviest defeat of the campaign, whilst the pacesetting Shels are hoping to move a step closer to their first Irish crown in over 15 years.

We say: Drogheda United 0-2 Shelbourne

With two sides at opposite ends of the league standings locking horns, we are expecting a one-sided affair at Weavers Park, with the hosts Drogheda in line for a difficult night.

If the game is given the respect it deserves, Shelbourne should comfortably be able to earn a fourth straight victory, coupled with another clean sheet.

Galway United vs. Bohemians (Thursday, 7.45pm)

Galway United play host to Bohemians on Thursday evening looking for the win that will maintain their charge for the top three in the League of Ireland Premier Division standings.

Despite sitting down in eighth position, Bohemians can also get back into the hunt should they secure victory at Eamonn Deacy Park.

We say: Galway United 1-1 Bohemians

With neither team one of the free scorers in the division, we do not expect a bundle of goals on Thursday night. Although Galway will back themselves to come out on top, Bohemians should do enough to earn a share of the spoils in what will be a competitive tussle.

Sligo vs. Derry (Thursday, 7.45pm)

With the chance to go top of the League of Ireland Premier Division table with a fifth straight victory, Derry City will travel to the Showgrounds to take on Sligo Rovers on Thursday.

The visitors trail league leaders Shelbourne by just two points in the midst of a hot streak, while their hosts sit seventh after making a return to winning ways last time out.

We say: Sligo Rovers 1-2 Derry City

While Sligo Rovers are bound to have some renewed confidence from their recent upturn in form and the return to winning ways against Shamrock Rovers last time out, they meet Derry City at a tricky time with the second-placed visitors on the march towards top spot following four straight wins, and we see Ruaidhri Higgins's side extending their run with an impressive victory on the road to ramp up the pressure on Shelbourne.

Shamrock vs. Dundalk (Thursday, 8.00pm)

Both aiming to return to winning ways in the League of Ireland Premier Division, Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk will do battle at Tallaght Stadium on Thursday.

Following back-to-back defeats, the hosts now sit fourth in the Irish top-flight table, 15 points off top spot in their latest title defence, while their visitors find themselves six points adrift of safety in the relegation playoff place.

We say: Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Dundalk

Shamrock Rovers are certainly far from their best in the Irish top flight this season, and they meet a rejuvenated Dundalk team moving towards safety, but the Hoops do still boast more quality than their visitors, and we see Bradley's men having enough to come out on top.