Friday's League of Ireland match betting preview, tips & TV details

RTE 2, 7.45pm Friday

Shamrock Rovers ought to be good enough to beat Derry City in what should be one of the games of the season at Brandywell.

Rovers, who are running away with the league at this early stage, are conceding few goals but they will need to be on their guard as Derry have hit an excellent run of form.

They brought in some fringe players against St Pat's on Monday and still ran out comfortable winners but they have a way to go to beat Rovers. The big pitch will suit the Hoops, for whom Jack Byrne is in sensational form.

St Patrick's were poor against Derry and the sending-off of Kevin Toner will not help their chances against improving Sligo. The Bit O'Red have added four points to their tally in games against Waterford and Dundalk.

Pat's have had three players sent off recently and, having had little or nothing in hand in general play against Sligo when the sides met earlier in the season, they look a horrible odds-on proposition as Liam Buckley returns to Inchicore.

UCD are also outsiders who look too long in the market. College have beaten Waterford and Cork in recent games and, with Bohemians flattered by their second place, Collie O'Neill's Students look a solid play on the Asian handicap.

Drogheda United face Bray Wanderers in a Division One clash that looks closer than the betting implies, while Galway United could surprise Athlone despite a terrible run of results.

Recommendations
Shamrock Rovers draw no bet
2pts 1-2 bet365
Sligo Rovers
2pts 6-1 bet365
UCD +1 on Asian handicap
3pts 3-4 bet365
Drogheda
1pt 4-1 bet365
Galway
1pt 11-5 bet365

• League of Ireland Premier standings and match prices
• League of Ireland Division One standings

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