League of Ireland: weekend preview and free football tips

Best bets

Shamrock Rovers -1 goal on handicap
2pts 5-4 Paddy Power
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St Patrick's
2pts 17-10 BoyleSports
Dundalk
2pts 1-2 Hills
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Preview

Shamrock Rovers should crush UCD at Belfield this evening with the Students' hopes of staying up effectively dead.

They have found it impossible to deal with key departures this season, notably Gary O'Neill, Neil Farrugia and Conor Davis.

Shamrock Rovers are counting down to the FAI Cup final and boss Stephen Bradley will have a fair few selection headaches when they take on Dundalk.

UCD are desperately open at the back and, with Rovers riddled with scoring threats, this should be a cakewalk for the green and white. It is hard to believe Rovers were initially put in at 2-1 minus a goal.

The big game sees St Patrick's Athletic, who desperately need three points, host Bohemians. This game is live on RTE and Pat's look a bit long at 17-10.

There is not a great deal between them and Pat's can still finish fourth if results go their way. Goals have been a major problem for the Saints but they have more than enough talent to win this, with Bohs still in a great position even if they lose.

Cork City are still a mess and Dundalk should dominate at Turner's Cross.

This is a dead rubber but Dundalk will be looking for a reaction after a poor showing against Bohemians and they are much better than Cork.

In the First Divisin promotion playoff, Drogheda face a big challenge away to Cabinteely.