League of Ireland: season preview and football betting tips

Shamrock Rovers look the value outright bet as the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland returns on Friday.

Dundalk, so dominant last season, have been backed into odds-on prices to retain their crown despite the loss of manager Stephen Kenny, who will take over Ireland's Under-21s and eventually the senior national side.

It is hard to pick a hole in their chances, but Rovers are an emerging force. They sorted out their goalkeeper issue with the return of Alan Mannus last term and arguably have the best stopper in the league.

The key to Rovers' chance could be new signing Jack Byrne, who was considered a player of enormous potential at Manchester City but ended up at Kilmarnock via Wigan and Oldham, where he did quite well. He could be a major coup for the Hoops, a point not lost on boss Stephen Bradley.

“The pleasing thing is he has left his ego at home. He's worked like everyone else has worked - really hard," said Bradley. “His attitude has been first class and he has shown that he wants to be a proper footballer here."

Rovers' big issue would seem to be a lack of options up front. However, Aaron Greene should be better this season, and Bradley has challenged Londoner Dan Carr to improve his goals tally at a club that has given him more game-time than any other.

Rovers were excellent defensively at the end of last season and have exceptional talent in midfield, perhaps even stronger than Dundalk in that area. Their time could be nigh.

If the Lilywhites relinquish their crown, it might be because Patrick Hoban either gets injured or leaves. Other than that it is hard to see how he will not finish top scorer again. He ran away with the prize last season and whatever happens a post-Kenny Dundalk, they will still create loads of chances for their sole striker.

Cork City had a solid campaign in 2018 but basically are nowhere near as good as they were without Sean Maguire. They look to have a major task on to keep tabs on Dundalk.

St Patrick's have been backed from 25-1 down to single figures and they have a squeak, though they will surely need to start well to have a realistic chance.

Shelbourne should win Division 1 comfortably but Drogheda at 4-1 without the favourites looks big, with Thomas Byrne and Adam Wixted huge signings for the Drogs.

Recommendations
Shamrock Rovers to win Premier Division
1pt 7-2 Ladbrokes
Patrick Hoban Premier Division top scorer
2pts 5-2 Ladbrokes
Drogheda to win Division 1 without Shelbourne
1pt 4-1 Paddy Power

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