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

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

Best bets

Draw in Dundalk v Derry
7.45pm Friday
2pts 9-4 general

Drogheda draw no bet
8pm Friday
3pts 11-8 BoyleSports

Shelbourne draw no bet
5pm Sunday
2pts 11-10 Paddy Power

Wexford +1.25 on Asian Handicap
7.45pm Friday
3pts 4-5 bet365

League of Ireland preview

Two sides who are barely clinging on in the title race, Dundalk and Derry City, meet at Oriel on Friday evening.

A draw would all but rule both out of the battle to overtake Shamrock Rovers but it looks by far the best value bet. Both games between Dundalk and City were close this season and managers Stephen O’Donnell and Ruaidhri Higgins know each other well.

There should be few surprises, both teams play on Astroturf and they look equally matched. The pair have drawn more than a third of their combined matches this season.

It’s hard to work out why Finn Harps are such a short price against Drogheda. Presumably punters are expecting a huge effort from Harps in one of the few games they will be favourites for between now and the end of the season.

Drogs, who are 14 points ahead of the Donegal side, held Shamrock Rovers in their last away game and look cracking draw-no-bet value.

Bohemians are favourites at Sligo on Sunday with the hosts clearly expected to struggle between their European outings, and by the same logic Shelbourne look value at home to Saint Patrick’s.

Improving Shels are only five behind Pat’s with a game in hand and will have huge home support, while Saints will find it hard after their trip to Bulgaria on Thursday.

In Division One, Wexford are fresh from shocking Sligo in the FAI Cup and should trouble Galway. This looks a closer game than the odds suggest.

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