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

Shelbourne
2pts 4-6 general

Athlone +2 handicap
2pts 10-11 BoyleSports

League of Ireland preview

Shelbourne have been progressing with experience under Damien Duff and should come away from UCD with a win.

Given the losses through injury or exit of Liam Kerrigan, Eric Yoro and Colm Whelan, College have confounded expectations.

Last week's win at Sligo saw them draw level with Finn Harps in the standings on 12 points, although that is as much of a reflection on how badly Harps have fared this year.

Shels are in the top half of the table based on away results, with 14 points from 11 games. UCD haven't won any of their home games and, given their home supporters are generally outnumbered, it is hard to think Belfield is any advantage to them.

Shels should win. The mid-season break came at a bad time, as they were thriving, and they took a little time to get going afterwards, but their easy victory over Finn Harps at Tolka Park suggests they are ready to kick on again.

Harps visit Dundalk and, as the betting suggests, their woes will likely continue. Harps seem in a genuine scrap to avoid bottom spot and they have little chance of bettering second-last.

Shamrock Rovers have to lift themselves after a demoralising trip to Bulgaria (lost 3-0 to Ludogorets) for the visit of doughty Drogheda on Saturday.

Galway United have a really poor record in Athlone and look risky at the prices, especially as Town won at Longford last weekend. There are plenty of reasons to fret about United here and Town are worth backing to avoid a heavy defeat.

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