League of Ireland: match previews, weekly predictions and football tips

Kick-offs from 7.45pm Friday

Dundalk limped out of Europe on Wednesday night and may struggle to get going against Finn Harps at Oriel Park.

The class of the champions should shine through here but they go into the game on a bit of a low, having been disappointing against Slovan Bratislava in the Europa League qualifier, losing 3-1 in Tallaght.

Harps have been exceptionally dogged in recent matches and defensively sound. They came away from Shamrock Rovers with just a 1-0 defeat in the FAI Cup despite making a load of changes.

St Patrick's are ready for an attack on the top four as the season nears its conclusion but they are no good things at home to Liam Buckley, their former manager, and Sligo Rovers. If Sligo win this, they will be five points behind Pat's with a game in hand, so odds of 9-2 look on the long side.

Derry City host Shamrock Rovers in what should be a cracker at Brandywell. Derry are one of the best teams in the league over the past couple of months and this looks a 50-50 game, rendering the 11-5 available about the Candystripes a big price.

They drew 2-2 in Tallaght when they last faced Rovers and are just six points behind.

Limerick's season has fallen apart in the Division One due to off-field problems and Athlone are worth a small poke to take the points at 5-1 at the Markets Field.

Recommendation
Dundalk v Finn Harps 0-0 at half-time
1pt 7-2 Paddy Power
Sligo
1pt 4-1 Betfred, Hills
Derry
1pt 11-5 bet365, RedZone
Athlone
1pt 5-1 Coral, Ladbrokes

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport