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

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

When to bet

7.45pm Friday and Saturday

Best bets

Shamrock Rovers to beat Bohemians 7.45pm Friday
3pts Evs general

St Patrick's to beat Finn Harps 7.45pm Friday
3pts 4-6 BoyleSports

Drogheda +0.75 on Asian handicap v Sligo 7.45pm Saturday
2pts 23-30 bet365

Galway to win to nil v Bray 7.45pm Friday
2pts 13-8 Coral, Ladbrokes

Weekend preview

Shamrock Rovers should have too much for Bohemians in Dalymount on Friday evening.

The Hoops' away record isn't encouraging but Bohs have been coughing up a lot of goals, while Rovers have shown that they are likely to win the title again with comfortable 1-0 wins over St Patrick's and Dundalk, who are both superior to Bohs, in the past week.

Jack Byrne and Danny Mandroiu are hitting form. While Bohs have good threats on the break, it's hard to see how they will have much meaningful possession against a Rovers team dominated by technicians.

Graham Burke could be back for the champions, who have incredible squad depth. Bohs have won only three of their games and punters shouldn't read much into their success against a wasteful Shelbourne side on Monday.

Finn Harps' only win was also against a totally out-of-sorts Shels and it's hard to see them getting anything in Inchicore. If St Patrick's produce a similar performance to their last home game, a 0-0 draw against Dundalk, they should win comfortably. Harps have already leaked 19 goals and were poor against struggling Sligo Rovers on Monday.

On Saturday Drogheda take their six-match unbeaten record to Sligo, although they've ridden their luck at times. On-loan Lincoln City goalkeeper Sam Long is thriving and Drogs should have no fear of a Sligo team who have taken just five points from their last six games. Back Drogs on the Asian handicap.

In Division 1, Bray have desperate issues in front of goal and the chances are one strike will suffice for highflying Galway, who have scored in every game this season and conceded just once in their last three.

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