League of Ireland Title Race 2026: Table, Fixtures and Favourites
The League of Ireland title race 2026 has a new leader, but the strongest position is still open to argument. St Patrick’s Athletic beat Dundalk 4-0 on Monday to draw level with Shamrock Rovers and move ahead on goal difference. Our Irish bookmaker comparison helps readers assess betting options; the immediate priority is understanding what the updated table actually says.
Dublin’s autumn has acquired a sharper edge: every glance at a phone, every late substitution, every ball cleared into the stand carries another club’s hopes with it. Three contenders remain close enough to hear one another, and none can afford to mistake a good weekend for a finished job.
League of Ireland table after Monday’s matches
The standings below include results from 14 September. All clubs play 36 league matches, making games remaining just as important as points already collected.
| Club | Played | Points | GD | Left |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Patrick’s Athletic | 31 | 56 | +26 | 5 |
| Shamrock Rovers | 30 | 56 | +17 | 6 |
| Bohemians | 30 | 53 | +17 | 6 |
Rovers can reach 74 points; Pat’s and Bohs can each reach 71. Those ceilings assume every remaining match is won and cannot all be achieved together because the contenders still meet. Pat’s lead the table. Rovers retain the highest possible finishing total.
The remaining fixtures that can change everything
The calendar gives Bohemians a direct say against both rivals. Their trip to Tallaght and the final-day visit to Richmond Park are particularly significant.
| Club | Key remaining league fixtures |
|---|---|
| Shamrock Rovers | Waterford H, 18 Sep; Drogheda H, 9 Oct; Bohs H, 12 Oct; Galway A, 16 Oct; Sligo H, 23 Oct |
| St Patrick’s Athletic | Sligo A, 19 Sep; Shelbourne H, 16 Oct; Derry A, 19 Oct; Galway A, 23 Oct; Bohs H, 30 Oct |
| Bohemians | Drogheda H, 18 Sep; Dundalk A, 9 Oct; Rovers A, 12 Oct; Waterford H, 16 Oct; Shelbourne H, 23 Oct; Pat’s A, 30 Oct |
H means home; A means away. These are selected fixtures for Rovers and the full remaining league lists for Pat’s and Bohs. Dates remain subject to rearrangement.
Pat’s face three away trips in their final five. Rovers have four home matches among the five dates listed. That balance strengthens the case for looking beyond the current leader.
Who has the strongest title chance?
I would still give Rovers the narrowest edge because the extra fixture leaves the outcome in their hands. Their recent results, however, offer little justification for confidence bordering on certainty.
St Patrick’s Athletic:
Bohemians:
Title odds and the tie-breakers
The table has changed hands; the title remains up for grabs. Compare the latest prices for the three contenders before weighing up their remaining fixtures.
| League winner | Odds |
|---|---|
| Shamrock Rovers | Check odds |
| St Patrick’s Athletic | Check odds |
| Bohemians | Check odds |
Teams are separated first by points, then goal difference and goals scored. Pat’s superior goal difference puts them ahead today, while Rovers’ extra fixture keeps the pressure firmly on the leaders.
For an outright bet, weigh the price against the run-in. Being favourites and being worth backing are two different things.
