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

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

Best bets

Shamrock Rovers
7.45pm Friday
3pts 5-6 BoyleSports

St Patrick's draw no bet
7.45pm Friday
2pts 21-20 general

Shelbourne draw no bet
8pm Friday
3pts 11-10 general

Galway United draw no bet
7.45pm Friday
2pts 1-2 general

Weekend preview

Shamrock Rovers should continue their dominant run in front of the TV cameras when they visit Sligo Rovers on Friday.

The Hoops have won their last three games against St Patrick's, Dundalk and Bohemians comfortably, are clearly getting better, and face a Sligo side who are vastly inferior.

Though the hosts scraped a flattering 2-2 draw in Tallaght six weeks ago, they have since recorded only two wins against struggling Finn Harps and ten-man Drogheda.

They will likely have to play second fiddle to Rovers and, with the Showgrounds pitch reportedly now in better nick, that does little to narrow the gap between the sides.

Finn Harps' only win of the season came against out-of-sorts Shelbourne but the Reds should surely be favourites when the sides reconvene at Finn Park. Shelbourne have been exceptionally good on the road, have Jack Moylan back fit and face a Harps side who suffered a massive blow when Dave Webster was ruled out for the season.

Harps are a weak outfit and Shels should be confident of claiming victory having already won at Derry and Drogheda.

It should be a captivating game in Inchicore where Derry City visit St Patrick's. Saints, who have had large crowds at home this season, have already beaten Shamrock Rovers on their own patch and deserve to be given at least a 50-50 chance by bookmakers.

In Division One, Galway United's only loss was away to Longford Town and while their battle against Treaty will not be one for the purists, they should get a point at the very least. They have scored in every game so far and are improving.

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