Thursday's League of Ireland Premier predictions including St Patrick's vs. Shamrock

Bohemians vs. Derry (Thursday, 7.45pm)

Looking to avoid being dragged into a relegation dogfight during the closing stages of the campaign, Bohemians will aim to topple title-chasing Derry City at Dalymount Park on Thursday night in the League of Ireland.

The Bohs have now won just one of their last seven league clashes after defeat at Waterford last time out, whilst the Candystripes have managed to get back on track this month following a stuttering end to their May schedule.

We say: Bohemians 1-1 Derry City

Despite being well in the race for the Irish title, Derry have been unconvincing on their travels in 2024, winning just two of their 10 matches away from Brandywell Stadium.

That being said, Bohemians' form in front of their Dalymount Park crowd is hardly inspiring either, so we are predicting a close affair and a share of the spoils on Thursday night.

Dundalk vs. Sligo (Thursday, 7.45pm)

Striving to continue their desperate fight for top-tier safety following a change in management last month, bottom side Dundalk will welcome Sligo Rovers for a League of Ireland clash at Oriel Park on Thursday night.

The Lilywhites narrowly lost out at the home of title-chasing Shelbourne last time out, whilst Rovers were convincingly defeated at the base of Waterford, halting a three-game unbeaten streak.

We say: Dundalk 1-0 Sligo Rovers

Since Daly assumed control of the squad, Dundalk have only been defeated by league leaders Shelbourne, so the Lilywhites should be confident of collecting a positive result on Thursday night.

Last week's heavy defeat at Waterford raised plenty of concerns from those of a Sligo persuasion, and we feel that it could get worse before it gets better for Rovers this month.

Galway United vs. Drogheda (Thursday, 7.45pm)

Both aiming to return to winning ways, Galway United and Drogheda United will square off at Eamonn Deacy Park on Thursday.

The visitors remain eight points adrift of automatic safety at the bottom end of the League of Ireland Premier Division in the midst of a six-match winless run, while their hosts sit fifth after back-to-back defeats of their own.

We say: Galway United 2-1 Drogheda United

With both teams desperate for a return to winning ways, we anticipate a competitive encounter on Thursday and give a slight edge to the hosts having enjoyed an impressive first half to the season with the Drogs stuck in more of a rut.

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

St Patrick's Athletic will welcome Shamrock Rovers to Richmond Park on Thursday for a game of importance at both ends of the League of Ireland Premier Division table.

Despite only seven points separating them in the top flight, the hosts sit one place and eight points above the relegation zone, while their visitors trail the top two by seven with games in hand and will bid to narrow the gap in their title defence.

We say: St Patrick's Athletic 0-2 Shamrock Rovers

While Shamrock Rovers may continue to field a makeshift back line due to an unenviable injury list, they certainly have the quality to put a run of results together once they kick into gear, and with the chance to make it back-to-back wins while keeping games in hand on the top two, we back them to make that quality count in an away victory on Thursday.

Waterford vs. Shelbourne (Thursday, 7.45pm)

Waterford United host league leaders Shelbourne at the Waterford Regional Sports Centre on Wednesday evening in a battle between the two most in-form teams in the League of Ireland Premier division.

The home side are fourth in the league with 12 points from their last six games, the second most in the division, while the visitors are in first place with 13 from their last six.

We say: Waterford United 1-2 Shelbourne

Waterford may be coming into this one as one of the most in-form sides in the division, but Shelbourne's away record this season is the best of any side in the league, and we expect the visitors to come away with the victory again here.