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

Waterford
2pts 7-2 BoyleSports

Finn Harps +1 Asian Handicap
2pts 8-15 bet365

Athlone Town
1pt 7-2 bet365

Cabinteely
1pt 11-2 BoyleSports

Wexford +2 Asian Handicap
5pts 9-10 Hills

League of Ireland preview

The silly prices about Waterford at home to Dundalk are gone but 7-2 still looks big for the pick of Friday's four Premier Division matches.

The Lilywhites have had a shocking league campaign and have lost four of their last five, whereas Waterford have won four of their last five. It is hard to know how anyone could make Dundalk odds-on here, with a big crowd expected at the RSC.

Finn Harps have also been in exceptional form and they can frustrate Shamrock Rovers at Finn Park. With Rovers having so many players out, Harps can turn this into a battle, as was the case when they knocked Derry City out of the cup.

Athlone and Cork are in last-chance saloon territory for the playoffs in Division 1 and a win is a must for both at Turner's Cross. Under the excellent Paul Doolin, Town look big here after surprising Galway United.

Cabinteely look a generous price at home to Galway, who have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five games, while Wexford are surely too big against a wobbling Shelbourne.

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