League of Ireland predictions: betting preview & free football tips

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for this weekend's League of Ireland Premier and Division One action.

When to bet

From 7.45pm Friday

Best bets

Derry City 0 on Asian handicap v St Patrick's Athletic
7.45pm Friday
3pts 1.775 bet365

Both teams to score in Dundalk v Drogheda
7.45pm Friday
2pts EvsHills

Treaty draw no bet v Galway Utd
7.45pm Friday
2pts 13-5 Paddy Power

Sligo Rovers +0.5 handicap v Shamrock Rovers
7.45pm Saturday
2pts 9-10bet365

League of Ireland betting preview

Derry City face a huge challenge on Friday evening and realistically they must beat St Patrick's to stay in the League of Ireland title race.

Shamrock Rovers' recent poor performances will encourage Derry, who start the weekend five points adrift of the Hoops at the top.

City were far better than Rovers when they clashed in the FAI Cup a couple of weeks ago, though, and rate a small bet to get the victory they require.

Derry were emphatic 4-0 winners in Inchicore earlier in the season and while both sides have improved since then, Derry look to have gone up another level. Their performance against Rovers was something to behold and they finally have their key players fit again.

Dundalk have been conceding freely of late and Drogheda, whose trip to Oriel Park is something of a free hit, can cause the Lilywhites problems. Drogs have been excellent in the Louth derby this year but it's hard to see Dundalk not scoring, so back both teams to score.

A Derry win would put some pressure on Shamrock Rovers prior to their trip to Sligo on Saturday.

Sligo have little to play for but they've been solid under John Russell and certainly have the ability to pinch a point from a Shamrock side who have questions to answer in regards to their recent form.

In Division One, playoffs-bound Treaty look a big price against Galway United, whose form has been patchy of late.

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