League of Ireland week one predictions: Shels may struggle to contain St Pat's

League of Ireland predictions, best bets and player analysis for week one matches.

Best bets

St Patrick's draw no bet
3pts 4-7 Coral, Ladbrokes

Derry draw no bet
2pts 6-4 bet365

Shamrock Rovers -1
2pts 5-6 bet365

Sligo Rovers +1
2pts 4-6 BoyleSports

Waterford
2pts 4-6 Betway

Cork draw no bet
1pt 7-5 BoyleSports

Preview

As is usually the case, the earlier it is in the season, the more value there is in the League of Ireland.

The TV cameras go to a sold-out Tolka Park where Shelbourne host St Patrick's. Given their performance in the President's Cup, it would be a shock if Saints don't get at least a draw and 4-7 in the draw-no-bet market is a price worth taking.

Shels are difficult to assess under Damien Duff. They like to play out from the back but given Saints' impressive pressing last weekend, that could land them in trouble, and St Pats striker Eoin Doyle is likely to fancy his chances of a winning return to Tolka.

Derry City also look like title contenders and are far too big away to Dundalk. Dundalk have had a modest pre-season, which is understandable as they have a new manager and a scatter of unfamiliar faces. Derry could easily go off favourites.

It's hard to know how Shamrock Rovers were initially put in at 1-3 against UCD, as they would have been more like 1-7 a few months ago and little has changed. This should be a canter for the champions and they are worth backing giving up a goal start.

Sligo Rovers finished comfortably ahead of Bohemians last season, and while there are doubts about both teams this term, the odds look to flatter Bohs at this early stage.

In the second tier, Waterford have a great chance against an Athlone side who will surely suffer a lot of heavy beatings this season, while Cork City should probably be favourites at Bray.