League of Ireland & FAI Cup predictions: Derry City look destined for silverware

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for this week's League of Ireland & FAI Cup matches.

When to bet

League of Ireland
From 7.45pm Friday

FAI Cup semi-finals
From 2pm Sunday

Best bets

Derry City to win FAI Cup
4pts 4-7 BoyleSports

Waterford 4.45pm Sunday
2pts 21-10 Betfred

St Patrick's Athletic 7.45pm Friday
3pts 8-11 general

Weekend preview

Derry City have a golden opportunity to win this year's FAI Cup and even at odds-on they look excellent value as they prepare for Sunday's semi-final against second division Treaty United.

Winning that last-four showdown should be a formality for City, despite United punching above their weight this season, and they would likely be strong favourites in the final against either Shelbourne or another second-tier outfit, Waterford.

Derry were by far the better side against their Premier Division title rivals Shamrock Rovers in the quarter-finals. They are conceding few goals since Mark Connolly joined and it is difficult to see who will stop them lifting the trophy at the Aviva Stadium.

The other semi-final at the RSC is difficult to call but bookmakers appear to be underestimating Danny Searle's Waterford.

They have already scored three goals away at St Patrick's and three more at home to Dundalk, so they have no reason to fear Shels, who are inferior to both of those teams and have conceded seven times in their last two league games. This looks a much closer contest than they layers are anticipating.

Pat's are in a battle to finish third in the Premier Division and they should further their claims with victory over a Bohemians side with little left to play for on Friday.

Seven wins from their last ten illustrates the Saints are in good nick.

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