Expert League of Ireland predictions and football betting tips from Johnny Ward

Best bets

Derry draw no bet
8pm Friday
2pts 21-20 Hills

Bohemians draw no bet
7.45pm Friday
5pts 11-10 bet365

UCD draw no bet
7.45pm Friday
2pts 11-4 bet365

St Patrick's draw no bet
7.45pm Friday
2pts Evs bet365

Bray draw no bet
8pm Friday
4pts 13-10 BoyleSports, Hills

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League of Ireland weekend predictions

The League of Ireland season is only three weeks old but Derry City's visit to Shamrock Rovers already looks a big game in the context of the wider campaign.

Derry could conceivably be favourites for the title if they win in Tallaght, which would worsen Rovers' modest start to their league season and put five points between the sides, and they look decent value based on their early-season form.

Incredibly, Rovers already have three centre-backs suspended in Lee Grace, Pico Lopes and Dan Cleary. And they haven't hit form at all yet so, with Derry in much better shape, the visitors look the clear pick.

Bohemians look an even better bet at similar odds away to Shelbourne. Bohs have won their first two matches and look to have a great deal more attacking quality than Shels, who are well organised but lack punch up front. Bohs should be much shorter than they are and look the bet in the draw-no-bet market.

UCD are arguably no worse than Cork City right now, having been unfortunate to lose to Sligo in week two, and they will relish a trip to Turner's Cross. Cork deserve to be favourites but the odds are flattering and UCD are no mugs.

Another away side, St Patrick's, look a touch of value at Dundalk in what should be a close contest at Oriel Park.

In Division One, the big one sees Waterford host Galway, but the value bet looks to be Bray away to Finn Harps. The hosts have conceded five goals already so Wanderers could well go off favourites.

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