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

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the League of Ireland matches on Friday.

When to bet

7.45pm Friday

Best bets

Drogheda +0.5 Asian handicap
3pts 2.075 bet365

Galway +0.5 Asian handicap
2pts 1.900 bet365

Cobh +2 handicap
3pts 20-23 BoyleSports

League of Ireland preview

Bohemians begin life without midfielder Dawson Devoy at Drogheda United on Friday night and the hosts could take advantage of his absence at Head In The Game Park.

MK Dons have been busy raiding the League of Ireland, enticing Darragh Burns from St Patrick's and Devoy, who was Bohs' most talented player. It will be next to impossible for Bohs to replace him.

Drogs have done remarkably well this term. They beat Dundalk for the second time this season last weekend and will be full of confidence against what remains a flaky Bohs side.

St Patrick's don't commence their European campaign until next week so their game against Dundalk goes ahead. Without Burns, Saints are less of an attacking threat but Dundalk are becoming a frustrating team to support on their travels. The odds look about right.

There's a massive game in Division One with at least 5,000 expected in Turner's Cross to see leaders Cork City welcome club legend John Caulfield, who now manages second-placed Galway United.

It's hard to know if Cork deserve to be as short as they are, especially given United have already won at Cork this season, and the Tribesmen should get a positive result.

Waterford look to have blown their title hopes and, with Shane Keegan likely to improve Cobh Ramblers, they can keep it tight against a Blues side who conceded three goals at home to Wexford last week.

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