We are around a third of the way through the 2026 Irish Premier Division season, and fans are already starting to predict which club will capture the biggest prize in the Republic of Ireland football pyramid.
Using odds from the Irish bookmakers found on IrishBetting, it is clear to see that several of the more renowned Irish clubs are among the frontrunners.
However, there is still a long way to go, and anything could happen in what is sure to be another captivating season in the Irish Premier Division.
Here are the five teams most likely to win the title according to bookmakers.
Shamrock Rovers (11/10 favourites)
Current holders and record 10-time champions Shamrock Rovers are predictably at the top of the heap, as they often are, tipped at 10/11 to win the league.
Despite currently occupying 2nd place, one point and one place behind St. Patrick's, they have the history, the prestige and the squad to end the season on top.
Under long-time boss Stephen Bradley, the Hoops have won all but two of the last seven editions of the league, such is their immense dominance. With the likes of Enda Stevens and Adam Matthews in their ranks, it's easy to see why the big boys of Irish football are favoured.
St. Patrick's Athletic (2/1)
Meanwhile, St. Patrick's are currently top of the table, having outscored the rest of the division, averaging almost two goals per game, but find themselves only backed to finish runners-up this season, and 2/1 to win the league title.
Young Englishman Ryan Edmondson is the joint top scorer in the league with six goals and a big part of their early-season success. Former Republic of Ireland national team manager Stephen Kenny is at the helm and has brought some very impressive performances out of his squad, especially in Europe, since taking over two years ago.
They have the right tools to potentially push Shamrock Rovers all the way, but it remains to be seen if they can stay in the fight until the end of the season, something which the bookies are clearly not entirely sure about either.
Bohemians (8/1)
A little further back at 8/1, Bohemians are considered a medium to long shot by bookies, perhaps unfairly.
They haven't won the league since 2009, but as one of the bigger clubs in Irish football, they should always be taken seriously, and could be about to turn things around.
They sit 4th in the league and just 6 points shy of the top, and with some exciting young stars, including former Walsall midfielder Ross Tierney and current league top scorer Colm Whelan, there is certainly reason for optimism.
Derry City/Dundalk (12/1)
Bringing up the rear are Derry City and Dundalk, both valued at 12/1 long shots for the Irish Premier Division title.
Dundalk have enjoyed the better start to the season of the two sides, as they sit 3rd in the league and 5 points off the top, while Derry are 5th and already 9 points adrift.
It would take some resurgence in the second two-thirds of the season to see either of these teams trouble the top spot, but if one of them does, the value at 12/1 is immense.
