Expert League of Ireland predictions and football betting tips from Johnny Ward

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for this week's League of Ireland action.

Best bets

Dundalk +0.5
7.45pm Friday
2pts 8-11 bet365

Drogheda +1
7.45pm Friday
2pts Evs general

Derry
5.30pm Saturday
2pts 4-5 Betfred

Treaty
7.45pm Friday
1pt 12-5 Boyles

League of Ireland preview

It's the grudge game of the season in Inchicore and Stephen O'Donnell's Dundalk can leave Dublin with at least a point in their televised tussle with St Patrick's.

O'Donnell's departure shortly after Saints' FAI Cup win could hardly have been more acrimonious. A promising manager, his Dundalk side will need time, but they look well capable of getting a result on Friday.

Saints, our ante-post selection for the title, are stuttering a little. They could well get back to winning ways against a team who have won only twice in the league, but they've already lost three games and Dundalk look highly likely to improve as the season develops.

Shelbourne, with Damien Duff and former Hoops legend Joey O'Brien in the dugout, welcome Shamrock Rovers to Tallaght. The champions should win this but they are priced accordingly, with Shels bidding to improve their poor home form.

Bohemians posted a badly-needed win over an out-of-sorts Sligo Rovers on Tuesday, but their issues remain and Drogheda United look capable of continuing their good start at Head in the Game Park.

Drogs are unbeaten in three games, beating Dundalk and almost defeating St Patrick's, so they have nothing to fear from a Bohs side who have made a poor start to the campaign. Take United at evens with a half-goal start on the handicap.

Leaders Derry face struggling Finn Harps in Ballybofey. It's hard to see this being easy for City but they've sold out their ticket allocation for the local derby and should have enough quality to prevail.

In Division 1, Bray look far too short against Treaty, who can go home with the points and boost their promotion hopes.

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