Attacking Football’s 2025 League of Ireland Predictions | OneFootball

The 2025 League of Ireland season begins this Friday night and with it there is a sense of renewal and excitement both on and off the pitch. New broadcast deals and representation in Europe have increased the league’s visibility as we go into a season that looks set to provide a riveting journey packed with drama from the first whistle. Friday nights are back!

Ahead of kick-off we’ve put together predictions for the season to come with our Irish football writers along with some guest contributors and compiled them for you to laugh at in November when they’ve aged like milk.

League of Ireland Champions

Last season’s title race was undeniably the best we’ve seen in some time. After storming into an early lead, it looked like Damien Duff’s Shelbourne side were trying their hardest to throw it all away with a dip in form that saw them win just one in 10 games.

Stephen Bradley’s Shamrock Rovers smelt blood and forced a gripping final day perfect for any neutrals. Duffer’s men were made to sweat but a 85th minute winner at Derry saw Shels win their first title since 2006.

Shels will be facing stiff competition to hold onto the title from two city rivals in Shamrock Rovers and St. Pat’s, both of which finished last season in strong form.

The Hoops are still in the midst of a European odyssey that started way back in July and will play the second leg of their UEFA Conference League Play-off against Molde on the 20th of February.

This never-ending season could start to take a toll on Rovers and work in the favour of Stephen Kenny’s Pat’s side.

The Saints finished last season in blistering form, winning their last nine fixtures while scoring 23 goals in the same period. If they can carry that form into this season they will be a force to be reckoned with.

This year, it’s almost too close to call, the only consensus among our contributors being the title won’t be leaving Dublin.

Neil Madigan – St. Pat’s

@BlogIrish – St. Pat’s will continue their strong league form and win it comfortably.

Conor McEvoy (@Reptracker) – St. Pat’s: I think it’s easy to say why they’ll win the league. Best manager and arguably best player, simple as!

Glen Mathews – Shamrock Rovers

Davide Koçiu – Shamrock Rovers: for me Rovers can just about come out on top. They’ll learn from dropped points last season and when it comes down to it their experience should give them the edge. It’ll be very close though.

European Spots

Shamrock Rovers’ conference League run goes to show Irish clubs are capable of competing on the continental stage but first they must battle amongst themselves for the three Conference League spots on offer, one of which will go to the FAI Cup winners.

However the likelihood is one of top teams will win that competition and therefore fourth place will be enough. Whatever way it works plenty of sides have their eyes on the top spots and the riches they can bring.

We had a little more variety with these predictions, with so many combinations we’re bound to get something correct. Right?

Neil Madigan – 2nd Shamrock Rovers, 3rd Shelbourne, 4th Derry City.

Glen Matthews – 2nd Shelbourne, 3rd Derry, 4th St. Pat’s.

@BlogIrish – There won’t be much between the teams below them [St. Pat’s] 2nd Shamrock Rovers, 3rd Shelbourne, 4th Bohemians.

@Reptracker – I think eveyone will expect Rovers and Shels to challenge Pat’s the most but I feel Bohs have quietly gone about their business superbly this off-season. If Mousset can start firing, Bohs can do very very well. 2nd Shamrock Rovers, 3rd Shelbourne, 4th Bohemians.

Davide Koçiu – I suspect the European spots will be occupied by the other Dublin clubs in some order or another. I’d also tip Bohs to have a very strong season but can’t see Shels reaching the heights of last season. Throw in a surprise package and we’ll have a great battle on our hands. 2nd St. Pat’s 3rd Bohemians, 4th Shelbourne.

FAI Cup Winners

Cup final day has become a massive event in the Irish footballing calendar and a chance for clubs to give their supporters a day out and maybe some silverware. add in European qualification and the cup looks better than ever.

Neil Madigan – Bohemians

Glen Matthews – Shelbourne

@BlogIrish – Shamrock Rovers

@Reptracker – Shamrock Rovers, I think it’s about time they win the cup.

Davide Kociu – Shelbourne, I think winning another trophy and guaranteeing more European football will be a priority for Shels to continue their rise.

Relegation

On paper this seasons line-up looks one of the strongest with no recognisable minnow tipped for the drop before a ball has been kicked.

Someone’s going to go down at end of it all though, so let’s see what the panel thought. Not looking optimistic for Cork fans, sorry.

Neil Madigan – Cork City

Glen Matthews – Waterford

@BlogIrish – Galway United

@Reptracker – Unfortunately I think Cork will go down, losing Cathal O’Sullivan in the summer will be a huge loss.

Davide Koçiu – Even though they seem too big for the first division I think that’s where Cork will find themselves again next season.

Top Scorer

Last season Derry City’s Patrick Hoban and Waterford’s Padraig Amond shared the top scorer award with an impressive 14 goals each, Amond in particular making a big impact for the on his return from England.

Shamrock Rovers’ Johnny Kenny was just one goal behind with 13 but has gone back to Celtic. Perhaps another young Irish talent will break through this year and top the charts. many eyes are on Shelbourne’s new recruit Mipo Odubeko.

The panel had a few different names in mind so let’s see who’s proved right come November

Neil Madigan – Padraig Amond (Waterford)

Glen Matthews – Graham Burke (Shamrock Rovers)

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@Blogirish – Mipo Odubeko (Shelbourne)

@Reptracker – Mipo Odubeko (Shelbourne), Lad is a top, top striker.

Davide Kociu – Padraig Amond (Waterford)

Player to watch

We all love watching a player in great form set the league alight every week, unless it’s against our side obviously. Anyway there are plenty of candidates that look primed to stand out from the crowd this year, here are a few to keep your eyes peeled for.

Neil Madigan – Tommy Lonergan (Waterford)

Glen Matthews – Ryan O’Kane (Shelbourne)

@BlogIrish – Cathal O’Sullivan & David Dunne (both Cork City)

@Reptracker – Thomas Morley is a young player at Sligo I rate highly.

Davide Kociu – Evan Caffrey (Shelbourne) has been getting plenty of game time and is capable of scoring a great goal. Could be a very impressive season.

Game to watch

We start with a bang this weekend as not only will there be the usual first night excitement but we’re also treated to a Dublin Derby at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

This Bohs vs Rovers clash is the obvious pick of the opening weeks fixtures but there are plenty of other intriguing games coming up in the opening few weeks.

Here are a few to keep you entertained when your team is playing away over the next few weeks.

Neil Madigan – Derry City vs Shelbourne 14 February 19.45

Glen Matthews – Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers 28 February 19.45

@BlogIrish – Cork City vs Galway United 14 February 19.45

@Reptracker – Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers 28 February 19.45

Davide Koçiu – Derry City vs Bohemians 21 February 19.45

So that’s what we think will happen this season, if any of it comes true is another story. Hopefully we’re treated to a season even better than last year and see more records broken for engagement with the league.