League of Ireland match betting previews and tips

From 7.45pm Friday

Shamrock Rovers simply must beat Bohemians at a heaving Dalymount Park to keep their title hopes alive.

With Rovers' record against Bohs so abject in recent seasons, the pressure is on Stephen Bradley's pretenders after they blew a two-goal lead against Derry City on Saturday.

Failure to win on Friday, before the visit of champions Dundalk in the game after the break would make things look rather bleak for the Hoops.

Rovers fans can keep the faith and they should win. Red cards have killed Rovers in the big derby game this season but, with Bohs' back four rather decimated, it will give them hope. Derek Pender and James ­Finnerty are banned, while Darragh Leahy is away with the Ireland Under-20s.

Bohs have decent defensive cover but this is a huge challenge and, for all that Rovers failed to beat Derry, they played well. They should be odds-on shots with so much at stake.

Sligo visit Cork, with both sides harbouring some sort of hope of finishing fourth, though it seems optimistic. It would be hard to say Cork have played well at any stage this season, such that bookmakers only make them marginal favourites.

Sligo have been in good shape and deserve to be a bit shorter. Back them at 21-20 with the draw no bet. St Patrick's are 2-5 at home to Finn Harps and should get the job done.

In Division 1, Shelbourne host Drogheda in what should be a cracker. Tim Clancy's men tend to frustrate Shels and Drogs, in their best form of the season, can nick a result.

Recommendations
Shamrock Rovers
2pts 21-20 Betfred, Betway, BoyleSports
Sligo 0 on Asian handicap
1pt 21-20 bet365
Drogheda +0.5
2pts 3-4 bet365

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