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

Bohemians
3pts Evs bet365

Waterford +1.5 on Asian handicap
2pts 3-4 bet365

Finn Harps +0.5 on Asian handicap
2pts 4-5 bet365

Cork City +0.5 on Asian handicap
4pts 19-20 bet365

League of Ireland preview

St Patrick's Athletic face a crucial trip to Sligo on Friday as they bid to keep tabs on champions Shamrock Rovers.

Sligo briefly flirted with a title challenge but Saints, aided by Rovers' recent struggles, have stayed in touch. They desperately need a victory but are not especially appealing at the prices.

Bohemians have had a terrific season in some respects so it is remarkable that they have managed to lose over a third of their league games. They have looked superior in both of their meetings with Drogheda this term and should be odds-on.

With four defeats on the spin, Shamrock Rovers look too short at home to a progressive Waterford side in Tallaght.

Rovers should win but Blues have been competitive in every game under Mark Bircham and should be again.

Finn Harps' resurgence has been staggering, with recent home wins over Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's thoroughly merited.

They beat Derry City at Brandywell earlier in the season and, with the artificial surface clearly no issue for Ollie Horgan's side, they can get a positive result in the north-west derby

Cork have been in cracking form in Division One and look a great bet at home to Shelbourne in the second tier. Shels almost have the league title wrapped up and haven't been especially convincing in recent weeks.

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