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

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

When to bet

7.45pm Friday

Best bets

Dundalk draw no bet
4pts 20-21 BoyleSports

Shamrock Rovers draw no bet
3pts 17-20 Hills

UCD
1pt 12-5 Betfair

Galway United +0.5
2pts 3-4 Bet365

League of Ireland preview

Shamrock Rovers are assured of group-stage European football this year and cam come through a tough task at Brandywell on Friday.

Derry desperately need to win to stay in the title race but Rovers, having had a fairly uneventful trip home from Macedonia on Thursday morning, should be fine for the trip to Ulster.

The Hoops have a deep squad compared to other clubs and can make a scatter of changes without impacting their quality too much. Back them draw-no-bet at 17-20.

Rovers have lost just five games this season in all competitions while Derry haven't been convincing enough of late to have much confidence.

Whatever it is about Derry goes too for Bohemians, who inspire no confidence having lost eight games so far. They led in Sligo on Sunday but still managed to lose and Dundalk look a cracking bet in the draw-no-bet market.

The Lilywhites have lost fewer games than any other side – three from 25 in the league – and 14 points separate these sides in the table.

UCD host Finn Harps in a massive game at the bottom. It's hard to know if there's as much between these sides as suggested by the odds and College look a shade long at 12-5. They've been on a really good run of late and can only be improving.

Galway United have a cracking record against Waterford this season and look the value in the handicap in their First Division tie.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Not got a Paddy Power account? Sign up and get up to £50 in free sports bets

Place a single £10 Sportsbook bet and get money back as a free bet if it loses. There are x5 Free Bets available. Max refund per qualifying bet is £10. Only deposits made via Credit/Debit Card will be eligible for the promotion. Paddy's Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org

MORE FREE BETS

Sign up to emails from Racing Post Sport and get all the latest news and tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport