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

Free Football tips, best bets and analysis for Monday's matches in the League of Ireland.

When to bet

Kick-offs 7.45pm Monday

Best bets

Derry (11-20) and St Patrick's (4-11)
3pt double BoyleSports

Cork +1 goal handicap
1pt 20-23 BoyleSports

Preview

A short-priced double looks the way to go in the League of Ireland's full round of Premier Division fixtures on Monday.

Derry City return to Brandywell fresh after an evening off on Friday and they should take care of Drogheda United, while Saint Patrick's should have no trouble dispatching UCD.

Derry have had a tough start to the season, facing Shamrock Rovers and Sligo already, yet they have conceded just three goals. Drogs, meanwhile, have let in ten in four matches, two of which came against two of the weaker teams in the division.

Saints have enough depth in their squad to mix things up for the visit of UCD, who alarmingly shipped four goals in Drogheda in their last game.

Bohemians host Shelbourne and welcome back Promise Omochere. The draw is worth considering in that fixture and also in Shamrock Rovers' trip to a Dundalk side who have already drawn four games. Dundalk boss Stephen O'Donnell has tended to keep things tight against Rovers.

Cork City have had huge crowds in the First Division and that trend should continue with the visit of Waterford. City look worth taking on the handicap and they should be able to trouble a Blues defence that coughs up chances.

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