League of Ireland: football betting tips for the opening round of matches

Kick-offs 7.45pm Friday

There is certainly a chance that bookmakers will get a few of the early League of Ireland matches wrong.

The best bet on the first night looks to be St Patrick's at odds-against with the draw no bet at home to Cork City. They could easily go off favourites.

Pat's count Gary Shaw, a son of Irish jumps handicapper Sandy, among their many off-season additions while Chris Forrester's return was eye-catching.

However, he may need time to work on his fitness and the likes of Mikey Drennan and Rhys McCabe could make a more immediate impact. Pat's are solid at the back and have an excellent new manager in Harry Kenny.

Cork lost some high-class players in the winter and their additions look a mixed bag at best. They ended the campaign in pretty ordinary form and generally struggled against Pat's last season.

Derry should have a decent season but they have made a raft of changes, in direct contrast to UCD, who have nearly an identical team to the one that got them promoted last season. They play a sweet brand of football and should enjoy the surface and the space of Brandywell.

Recommendations
St Patrick's draw no bet
4pts 11-10 general
UCD
1pt 9-2 Betfair, Paddy Power

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