Friday's League of Ireland match predictions: Derry can avoid defeat

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Friday's League of Ireland action.

When to bet

From 7.45pm, Friday

Best bets

Derry draw no bet
3pts 5-6 bet365, Coral, Ladbrokes

Galway United
4pts 1-2 Coral, Ladbrokes

Athlone draw no bet
1pt 13-5 BoyleSports

Preview

Despite having some key players injured, Derry have made the best start of any side this season, already beating Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's. Unbeaten and solid, they look a confident bet to beat Bohemians at Dalymount on Friday evening.

The key factor is how unconvincing Bohemians have been. They have won once but struggled to get a point at home to Shelbourne in between a tame loss to Shamrock Rovers and a worrying 1-1 draw at UCD, where they took an early lead.

Bohs have good attacking players but it seems Keith Long is trying to compensate for a lack of defensive cover by playing some classy operators in a more defensive way. It is hard to put any confidence in them and Derry look set to continue their good start.

Elsewhere in the top flight, St Patrick's, Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers and Dundalk are all odds-on to win and there appears little value.

In the second tier, Galway United should take care of Cobh Ramblers in Terryland. United were poor against Longford last weekend but have been scoring regularly and should create plenty of chances against a Rams side who will take some time to find their feet.

United had dropped only two points before the game against Town and should bounce back.

Athlone also look worth an investment against an ordinary Bray side. Town should improve as the season develops and at least are scoring goals regularly. This should be closer than the market implies.

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