2016 Predictions

[nigel-harps1954]

Too early? 3 weeks until the start of the season, most squads are as good as sorted at this stage and well into pre-season.

It's going to be a very interesting season in both Premier and First Divisions. There's no real standout for league winner, and there's no real standout for relegation. Could go right to the wire in both ends. I've swayed back and forth in where I think people will end up lately such is how tight I see it being outside the top four.

First Division, hard to see past Limerick but it'll not be quite as easy as is being suggested.


Premier Division:

1. Dundalk
2. Shamrock Rovers
3. Cork City
4. St Pat's Ath
5. Bohemian FC
6. Bray Wanderers
7. Sligo Rovers
8. Derry City
9. Galway United
10. Finn Harps
11. Longford Town
12. Wexford Youths

First Division

1. Limerick
2. Cobh Ramblers
3. UCD
4. Shelbourne
5. Drogheda United
6. Athlone
7. Waterford United
8. Cabinteely

League Cup: Bohs
FAI Cup: Cork
Play Off: Cobh
First Manager Sacked: Tony Cousins
Top Scorer: Danny North

[White Horse]

Premier Division:

1. Dundalk
2. Cork
3. Bohs
4. Sham Rovers
5. Pats
6. Bray Wanderers
7. Sligo Rovers
8. Harps
9. Derry
10. Galway
11. Longford Town
12. Wexford Youths

First Division

1. Limerick
2. Drogs
3. UCD
4. Shels
5. Cobh
6. Athlone
7. Waterford United
8. Cabinteely

League Cup: Dundalk
FAI Cup: Dundalk
Play Off: Drogs
First Manager Sacked: Roddy Collins
Top Scorer: Daryl Horgan

[Sam_Heggy]

Prem:

1 - Dundalk
2 - Cork
3 - Pats
4 - Rovers
5 - Bohs
6 - Galway
7 - Sligo
8 - Longford
9 - Derry
10 - Bray
11 - Harps
12 - Wexford

1st Div:

1 - Limerick
2 - UCD
3 - Cobh
4 - Shels
5 - Drogs
6 - Waterford
7 - Cabo
8 - Athlone

League cup - Cork
FAI Cup - Dundalk

I'm usually woefullly wrong when it comes to these.

[Cuyahoga]

Premier Division:

1. Shamrock Rovers
2. Dundalk
3. St.Patrick's Athletic
4. Sligo
5. Cork
6. Bohemians
7. Derry City
8. Bray Wanderers
9. Galway utd
10.Longford Town
11.Finn Harps
12. Wexford Youths

First Division

1. Limerick
2. UCD
3. Shelbourne
4. Drogheda utd
5. Waterford utd
6. Athlone
7. Cobh Ramblers
8. Cabinteely

League Cup:St.Pats
FAI Cup: Derry City
Play Off: UCD
First Manager Sacked: Pete Mahon
Top Scorer: Danny North

[Town Legend]

1. Dundalk
2. Shamrock Rovers
3. Cork City
4. Sligo Rovers
5. St. Patrick's Athletic
6. Bohemians
7. Bray Wanderers
8. Derry City
9. Galway United
10. Finn Harps
11. Wexford Youths
12. Longford Town


1. Limerick FC
2. UCD
3. Shelbourne
4. Drogheda United
5. Cobh Ramblers
6. Athlone Town
7. Cabinteely FC
8. Waterford United


League Cup - Sligo Rovers
FAI Cup - Shamrock Rovers
Play-Off - UCD
Top Scorer - Karl Sheppard (Cork City)
Sack Race - Tony Cousins (Longford Town)

[joey B]

1. Dundalk
2. Shamrock Rovers
3. Cork City
4. Bohemians
5. Bray
6. St Pats
7. Derry City
8. Sligo Rovers
9. Galway United
10. Finn Harps
11.Wexford youths
12. Longford Town


1. Limerick
2. UCD
3. Drogheda
4. Cobh
5. Shelbourne
6. Athlone
7. Waterford
8. Cabinteely

[MattB11]

Premier Division

1 Dundalk
2 Cork City
3 Shamrock Rovers
4 St Pats
5 Bohemians
6 Sligo Rovers
7 Derry City
8 Galway
9 Bray Wanderers
10 Finn Harps
11 Longford Town
12 Wexford Youths

First Division

1 UCD
2 Limerick
3 Shelbourne
4 Cobh Ramblers
5 Drogheda United
6 Waterford United
7 Athlone Town
8 Cabinteely

League Cup - St Pats
FAI Cup - Cork City
Play Off - Limerick

[Aaron]

I'm goin to make a bold prediction and say we'll challenge for a european place but will fall just short in the league standings but get in through Cork winning the cup. The whole new professional feel about the club and the science and technology being used, along with both a larger backroom team and a good mix of youth and experience, i think we'll surprise many this year. I'll go with

Dundalk
St Pats
Cork
Derry
Sligo
Shamrock Rovers
Bray
Bohs
Finn Harps
Longford
Galway
Wexford

League Cup: Sligo
FAI Cup: Cork


Limerick
Shels
Drogheda
UCD
Waterford
Cobh
Cabinteely
Athlone

[kksaints]

1. Dundalk
2. St. Patrick's Athletic
3. Shamrock Rovers
4. Cork City
5. Bohemians
6. Derry City
7. Longford Town
8. Sligo Rovers
9. Bray Wanderers
10. Galway United
11. Wexford Youths
12. Finn Harps


1. Limerick FC
2. Shelbourne
3. Drogheda United
4. UCD
5. Cobh Ramblers
6. Waterford United
7. Athlone Town
8. Cabinteely FC


League Cup - Cork City
FAI Cup - St Patrick's Athletic
Play-Off - Shelbourne
Top Scorer - Christy Fagan
Sack Race - Mick Cooke

[patrickccfc]

1. Cork City
2. Dundalk
3. Shamrock Rovers
4. Bohemians
5. St. Pats
6. Derry City
7. Sligo Rovers
8. Longford
9.Bray Wanderers
10. Finn Harps
11. Galway United
12. Wexford Youths

First
1. Limerick
2. UCD
3. Cobh
4. Shelbourne
5. Drogheda
6. Athlone
7. Waterford
8. Cabinteely

League Cup- Bohemians
FAI Cup- Dundalk
Play off- UCD
Top Scorer- Karl Sheppard
First Sacked- Tony Cousins

[outspoken]

Wow a lot of you going for the ever popular TC to be sacked first. A good few of you think we will go down to? Can I ask is this because we've let a lot of experienced players go or what's the thinking behind the predictions? Personally think Wel be fine this year (by fine I mean scrape a 10th place finish with any luck)

[joey B]

Wow a lot of you going for the ever popular TC to be sacked first. A good few of you think we will go down to? Can I ask is this because we've let a lot of experienced players go or what's the thinking behind the predictions? Personally think Wel be fine this year (by fine I mean scrape a 10th place finish with any luck)

Blind optimism on my part really,tryed to find two sides that would maybe be worse than Harps and Yourselves and Wexford stood out,time will tell really!!!!!

[dong]

Premier Division:

1. St Pats
2. Derry City
3. Cork City
4. Dundalk
5. Bohemian FC
6. Bray Wanderers
7. Shamrock Rovers
8. Sligo Rovers
9. Galway United
10. Finn Harps
11. Longford Town
12. Wexford Youths

First Division

1. Limerick
2. UCD
3. Cobh
4. Shelbourne
5. Drogheda United
6. Athlone
7. Cabinteely
8. Waterford

League Cup: Derry
FAI Cup: Derry
First Manager Sacked: Pat Fenlon
Top Scorer: Christy Fagan

I think Dundalk have to start into their cycle of sh1teness this season. Loss of Towell could be the catalyst for that.

Think Derry could go well.

Can't see us getting much above the relegation places as we've too many young players and I question how they will stand up to the physicality of the league.

Then again I thought Heary would have us challenging for Europe last season so what would I know?

[Couch Potato]

Premier Division:

1. Shamrock Rovers
2. Dundalk
3. St Pats
4. Bray
5. Cork City
6. Bohs
7. Derry
8. Sligo
9. Longford
10. Finn Harps
11. Wexford Youths
12. Galway United

First Division

1. Limerick
2. UCD
3. Shelbourne
4. Drogheda
5. Cobh
6. Athlone
7. Cabinteely
8. Waterford

League Cup: Dundalk
FAI Cup: St Pats
First Manager Sacked: John Caulfield
Top Scorer: Christy Fagan

No real basis why I think nutsy will pull a title out of a bag but I think it might happen.
I think Cork might have done all they are going to do under Caulfield and they might struggle this year compared to previous years.
I've no idea what were going to do this season with the influx of new players but we'll see.
Bray might surprise a few people Mick Cooke will get the best of some very experienced signings I think.

[PartySaint]

I always try give this a good think and come up with something that ends up being miles wrong so I'm going balls out this season

1 Sligo
2 Cork
3 Bray
4 Dundalk
5 Pats
6 Rovers
7 Longford
8 Wexford
9 Galway
10 Harps
11 Derry
12 Bohs

First Division
UCD
Drogs
Limerick
Waterford
Cobh
Cabo
Athlone
Shels

FAI Cup: Pats
League Cup Wexford
Top Scorer Patterson
First manager sacked, Derry lad and Felon on the same day

[Town Legend]

Wow a lot of you going for the ever popular TC to be sacked first. A good few of you think we will go down to? Can I ask is this because we've let a lot of experienced players go or what's the thinking behind the predictions? Personally think Wel be fine this year (by fine I mean scrape a 10th place finish with any luck)


I hope I'm wrong but I fear the squad isn't as good as last year. Looks like Skinner has the keepers jersey although Morris could surprise us. Josh is a good signing but when was the last time he had a good run of games without getting injured? It'll be interesting to see if the 4-3-3 works because if it doesn't we have no wingers in the squad and as we all no TC has no plan B when all goes awry. Time will tell but I think we'll struggle to score enough goals and keep enough clean sheets.

[Jofspring]

I'd be surprised if anyone in the league gives the relegation candidates a head start this season like we did last season. Should mean a bit more pressure from early on.

[GCdfc]

1. Dundalk
2. Cork City
3. Bohemians
4. Shamrock Rovers
5. St. Patrick's Athletic
6. Derry City
7. Sligo Rovers
8. Longford Town
9. Bray Wanderers
10. Galway United
11. Wexford Youths
12. Finn Harps


1. Limerick FC
2. Shelbourne
3. UCD
4. Cobh Ramblers
5. Drogheda United
6. Waterford United
7. Athlone Town
8. Cabinteely FC


League Cup - Dundalk
FAI Cup - Dundalk
Play-Off - Wexford Youths
Top Scorer - Finn
Sacked 1st - Roddy Collins

[vinnie]

1. Bohs
2. Shamrock Rovers
3. Dundalk
4. Bray Wanderers
5. St. Pats
6. Derry City
7. Cork City
8. Finn Harps
9. Sligo
10. Galway United
11. Wexford Youths
12. Longford Town


1. Limerick FC
2. Drogheda United
3. Shelbourne
4. UCD
5. Cobh Ramblers
6. Waterford United
7. Athlone Town
8. Cabinteely FC


League Cup - Galway
FAI Cup - Bohs
Top Scorer - Brandon Miele
Sacked 1st - Roddy Collins

[outspoken]

Blind optimism on my part really,tryed to find two sides that would maybe be worse than Harps and Yourselves and Wexford stood out,time will tell really!!!!!

Harps will surprise a few as I said but whether they score enough goals will be the big question. We will score far more goals than last season that's a fact.

[KBurke]

Why are all the predictions leaving out the obvious, which team will have the dreaded * beside their name in the table?

[seand]

1. Bohs
2. Shamrock Rovers
3. Dundalk
4. Bray Wanderers
5. St. Pats
6. Derry City
7. Cork City
8. Finn Harps
9. Sligo
10. Galway United
11. Wexford Youths
12. Longford Town


1. Limerick FC
2. Drogheda United
3. Shelbourne
4. UCD
5. Cobh Ramblers
6. Waterford United
7. Athlone Town
8. Cabinteely FC


League Cup - Galway
FAI Cup - Bohs
Top Scorer - Brandon Miele
Sacked 1st - Roddy Collins

It doesn't work if you try to jinx the opposition

[Mr A]

Why are all the predictions leaving out the obvious, which team will have the dreaded * beside their name in the table?

An alternative predictions thread generally appears before the season starts.

[Dalymountrower]

1. Bohs
2. Shamrock Rovers
3. Dundalk
4. Bray Wanderers
5. St. Pats
6. Derry City
7. Cork City
8. Finn Harps
9. Sligo
10. Galway United
11. Wexford Youths
12. Longford Town


1. Limerick FC
2. Drogheda United
3. Shelbourne
4. UCD
5. Cobh Ramblers
6. Waterford United
7. Athlone Town
8. Cabinteely FC


League Cup - Galway
FAI Cup - Bohs
Top Scorer - Brandon Miele
Sacked 1st - Roddy Collins

A Bohs double, I`ll have whatever you`re on Vinny

1 Dundalk
2 Rovers
3 Bohs
4 Cork City
5 Bray
6 Pats
7 Derry
8 Sligo
9 Galway
10 Wexford
11 Harps
12 Longford

Cup Winners - Bohs
League Cup- Rovers
Division 1 Limerick

[Jd2793]

Have Pats lost all their players with half of these predictions?

1 Dundalk
2 Cork
3 Pats
4 Rovers
5 Bohs
6 Derry
7 Sligo
8 Bray
9 Galway
10 Wexford
11 Longford
12 Harps

Can see it being a very tight battle for relegation.

[placid casual]

Dundalk
Cork
Pats
Rovers
Boys
Longford
Bray
Wexford
Galway
Finn harps
Derry
Sligo

Fai cup- pats
Lge cup - Dundalk
Sacked- Sligo guy

Europe - dundalk & cork - 1 game
Rovers & pats- 2 games

[patrickccfc]

Boys

Typo or intentional?

[oriel]

1 Dundalk
2 Cork
3 Rovers
4 Pats
5 Bohs
6 Bray
7 Sligo
8 Derry
9 Galway
10 Longford
11 Wexford
12 Harps

FAI Cup - Rovers (The Cup Specialists)
Top Scorer – Fagan, if he keeps fit
Lge Cup – Cork
FD – Limerick
Play off - Cobh

I think the same top 3 as last season, however I don’t see the winning points margin being as big as last seasons’ gap of 11. Dundalk may have lost Towell, but McEleney is a decent replacement from what was available in Ireland, Benson should offer options in MF too and by all accounts the squad is fitter and stronger than last season. I don’t think we are that strong up front though, but it was the same as last year, playing one up top means goals can flow right across the side from the attacking players particularly Horgan, and likes of McEleneny & Finn should add goals too, Kilduff with a first full season should do better than last season, the worry is McMillan won’t score enough, however having the same back 4 for the 3rd season running should see us over the line.

Cork have strengthened, and Bolger will add some steel in the middle, they’ve done well in the last 2 years, but they need to win a trophy this season, or they will only be remembered as also rans. Rovers as always under Fenlon will be dangerous, I don’t see them being better than Dundalk, they will challenge Cork though and like them also need to get some silverware. I think Bohs will really challenge Pats for top 4, and with a good run themselves Pats might make the top 3.

It’s going to be very tough for Wexford & Finn Harps, first time up for one, first time in a long time up for the other.

[joey B]

1. Dundalk
2. Shamrock Rovers
3. Bohs
4. Finn Harps


:D madman!!!!

[cobhlad]

Premier
1. Dundalk
2. Rovers
3. Pats
4. Cork
5. Sligo
6. Bohs
7. Bray
8. Derry
9. Galway
10. Longford
11. Harps
12. Wexford.

First.
1. Limerick
2. UCD
3. Cobh
4. Drogheda
5. Shels
6. Athlone
7. Cabinteely
8. Waterford

Top Scorer: McEleney
First Manager Gone: Mathews

[White Horse]

Dundalk may have lost Towell, but McEleney is a decent replacement from what was available in Ireland, Benson should offer options in MF too and by all accounts the squad is fitter and stronger than last season. I don’t think we are that strong up front though, but it was the same as last year, playing one up top means goals can flow right across the side from the attacking players particularly Horgan, and likes of McEleneny & Finn should add goals too, Kilduff with a first full season should do better than last season, the worry is McMillan won’t score enough, however having the same back 4 for the 3rd season running should see us over the line.

Cork have strengthened, and Bolger will add some steel in the middle, they’ve done well in the last 2 years, but they need to win a trophy this season, or they will only be remembered as also rans. Rovers as always under Fenlon will be dangerous, I don’t see them being better than Dundalk, they will challenge Cork though and like them also need to get some silverware. I think Bohs will really challenge Pats for top 4, and with a good run themselves Pats might make the top 3.

I know it is only pre-season but McEleney is looking a class act. His pace, passing, and power have surprised me. he looks like a completely different player to the one I saw playing for Derry.

We will be a different team without Towell, but not a worse one.

Cork look better in midfield and going forward. I think they will score a lot more goals. The area where they look weakest is at the back. That used to be their strength. It will cost them in this league.

Shamrock Rovers and St Pats do not look as if they have made a leap forward. Unlike Bohs. Those lads are going to do things this season.

[Nesta99]

Domestic treble for Dundalk with the Malone Cup and President Trophy staying where they are......

Rovers will undoubtedly be better this season and the main threat to a 3 in a row for Dundalk. Pats are the team flying under the radar this preseason and will be closer too. I still think Caulfield's safety first mentality could hold Cork back but I haven't seen them as WH has so his observations may mean the total opposite, they might as well give it a go this season rather than playing the averages and hoping to capitalise on others dropping points. Bohs were a real tough nut for Dundalk last season and definitely a team on the up.

Heart and head says Dundalk, Shams, Bohs, Cork and Pats. Youths automatic relegation with Longford, Galway, and Derry trying to avoid the play-off. I think Harps could grind out enough results to stay safe and with good home crowds helping make Finn Park a tough trip away. Dont know what Sligo we shall see this season but should be good enough to top the mid-table group.

A double double is a big ask so Cork to pick up the cup. Rovers the league cup.

UCD and Limerick will be nip and tuck for promotion. Cobh have been building well and Drogheda have a management team that knows how to get out of the 1st division so will push the top 2.

I'll have a wild punt on Caulfield to go this season if they have a slow start and haven't changed ways from the last 2 seasons to kick on. Derry will probably stick with Sheils but a tough season for him especially with the disruption of work on the Brandywell. If there is no news of a contract extension for SK and a job in England's 2nd or even upper 3rd tier comes along during the summer...well I dont want to contemplate that any further!! Cant see Longford or Galway improve much under Cousins or Dunne respectively so any persistent run of poor form and they're off.

Looking forward to the Bray soap opera returning.

[Olander]

I know it is only pre-season but McEleney is looking a class act. His pace, passing, and power have surprised me. he looks like a completely different player to the one I saw playing for Derry.
Really? McEleney is a fantastic signing for Dundalk, but surely he hasn't changed that much after 4 weeks of Graham Byrne's marvelled training regime. He's always been Derry's best player anytime I've seen them play in recent years. He stood out a mile and Stephen Kenny should get the best out of a very good player, just like he did at the Brandywell.

[placid casual]

The Zika virus is a cause for concern worldwide,except in Dundalk, where myopia is the main concern

[Ezeikial]

The Zika virus is a cause for concern worldwide,except in Dundalk, where myopia is the main concern

While your vision and hyperopia is stunning:



Dundalk
Cork
Pats
Rovers
Boys
Longford
Bray
Wexford
Galway
Finn harps
Derry
Sligo

Fai cup- pats
Lge cup - Dundalk
Sacked- Sligo guy

Europe - dundalk & cork - 1 game
Rovers & pats- 2 games

[Jofspring]

Premier:

Dundalk
Cork
Shamrock Rovers
St.Pats
Sligo
Bohemians
Bray
Derry
Galway
Longford
Finn Harps
Wexford

First:

Limerick :eek:
UCD
Shelbourne
Cobh
Drogheda
Waterford
Athlone
Cabinteely

FAI: Cork City
League Cup: Shamrock Rovers
Sacked: Mick Cooke (he is over Bray right?)
Asterix*: Bray

[White Horse]

First:

Limerick :eek:
UCD
Shelbourne
Cobh
Drogheda
Waterford
Athlone
Cabinteely


Drogheda will surprise a few people this year.

[total hoofball]

1. Dundalk
2. St. Patrick's Athletic
3. Cork City
4. Shamrock Rovers
5. Bohemians
6. Bray Wanderers
7. Derry City
8. Galway United
9. Longford Town
10. Sligo Rovers
11. Wexford Youths
12. Finn Harps


1. Limerick
2. Drogheda United
3. UCD
4. Cobh Ramblers
5. Waterford United
6. Shelbourne
7. Athlone Town
8. Cabinteely


Fenlon, Cousins, Cooke, Cooke's successor, Robertson, Mathews & Gormley all to get the bullet. I'll go with Bray, Sligo, Limerick, Drogheda, Shels, Waterford and Athlone to fail to pay players at some point during the season.

[osarusan]

Surprised to see Drogheda so low in so many predictions.

[LOI_Fanatic]

Premier Division
1. Rovers
2. Bohs
3. Dundalk
4. Pats
5. Bray
6. Cork
7. Harps
8. Derry
9. Sligo
10. Youths
11. Galway
12. Longford

1st Division
1. Drogs
2. Shels
3. Limerick
4. Cobh
5. Cabinteely
6. UCD
7. Athlone Town
8. Waterford

League Cup - Dundalk
FAI Cup - Cork
Top Scorer - Danny North
Sacked 1st - Tony Cousins

[ATFC-1887]

Surprised to see Drogheda so low in so many predictions.
They signed a good few lads from our squad last year and most of them were absolute rubbish. So i honestly don't think they will be anywhere near the top.

[atfconline]

Big Sam up front, sure they'll be grand! :D

[ATFC-1887]

How he got another LOI club is beyond me

[D24Saint]

Bit early for predictions I couldn't honestly judge ourselves at this stage never mind others.We have had one closed doors friendly & two other ones, the Bray LSC might give a better indication on how we will shape up.Its early days.

[White Horse]

Bit early for predictions I couldn't honestly judge ourselves at this stage never mind others.We have had one closed doors friendly & two other ones, the Bray LSC might give a better indication on how we will shape up.Its early days.

The purpose is to give us all a good laugh/embarrassment come October, or much sooner for the really great ones.

[shizzle787]

Have a question: is ROI even having a league cup this year? I checked the FAI website, and it still lists it as an official competition, but when you follow the link the website gives, it goes to the EA Sports website (which sponsors the cup), which makes NO mention of a 2016 version. I checked Wikipedia and noticed that the draw for the competition last year was February 10th (I believe), which would mean the draw for this year's version should be a week give or take from the 10th, but no draw is being made as of yet. If Ireland scraps the league cup, it would be at least the second country (Hungary) to do so. Personally, I think league cups are a waste of time as winning them has no meaning and they cause undue fixture congestion, so it would probably be a good thing for Irish clubs. However, as a new observer to your game, I do like the senior league cups (Leinster, Munster, Ulster, Connacht) as they have a meaning (champion of the county) and are good for regional rivalries.

[Comic Book Guy]

Premier:
1. Dundalk
2.Cork
3.Shamrock Rovers
4.Derry City
5.St.Pats
6.Bohs
7.Sligo
8.Bray
9.Longford
10.Galway
11.Finn Harps
12.Wexford.

First Division:
1.Limerick
2.U.C.D
3.Drogheda
4.Cobh Ramblers
5.Shels
6.Athlone
7.Cabo
8.Waterford
FAI Cup: Cork
League Cup: Sligo
Play off: Ucd

[Jofspring]

Only reason I'd have Drogheda low is because I think a few other teams will be stronger. They very may well win the league as finish 5th with not a huge amount in it but I think UCD will be strong, Cobh have signed well and should be strong and then either Shelbourne and Drogheda will be similar enough.

As it stands we have a decent 11 and nothing else. If we don't add a couple more we are as likely to finish no where near the title.

[CraftyToePoke]

Yeah, I agree, I think while Limerick will definitely be competitive, the squad (as it presently is) aren't the odds on sureties many seem to think on here.

[ForzaHoop]

1. Shamrock Rovers
2. Dundalk
3. Cork
4. Sligo
5. St.Patrick's Athletic
6. Bohemians
7. Derry City
8. Galway United
9. Finn harps
10.Longford Town
11.Bray Wanderers
12. Wexford Youths

1. Limerick
2. UCD
3. Shelbourne
4. Drogheda
5. Cobh
6. Athlone
7. Cabinteely
8. Waterford