League of Ireland: betting preview and free tips on this week's big matches

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

Best bets

Dundalk
2pts 13-10 bet365, Betfair
St Patrick's
4pts 11-10 general
Shamrock Rovers
2pts 6-5 bet365, Betfair, Betfred

Preview

Dundalk can continue their celebrations after winning the League of Ireland title by beating Derry City in Oriel Park.

The Lilywhites are a dramatically bigger price than they would normally be on the basis of having the league wrapped up but any Dundalk player slacking off is playing a dangerous game.

The Lilywhites effectively have two players for each position and their bench was again shown to great effect when they beat Sligo in the FAI Cup last weekend. Derry are no mugs but Dundalk should win.

St Patrick's are the bet of the weekend at home to Waterford United, the odds seeming to take almost no account of the fact that Waterford are just playing out the season, while St Patrick's are fighting for a place in Europe, which is not yet guaranteed.

Since Stephen O'Donnell came in, they have been stronger defensively, and the key for Saints is to start scoring goals. But Waterford are no great shakes defensively and Pat's should oblige at home against inferior opponents with nothing to play for.

Saints were excellent in their last game, shutting out Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght.

The Hoops go to Sligo on Saturday and while this is a dead rubber, Rovers should not be so big.

Dundalk were 2-5 to win in Sligo last Sunday and they are little or no better than Rovers at the moment.

Danny Mandroiu is suspended for Bohemians, who host Cork City in a crucial game on Friday.

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