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

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the weekend League of Ireland matches.

Best bets

St Patrick's +0.25 on Asian handicap v Shamrock Rovers
2pts 5-4 bet365

Waterford +1 on Asian handicap v Drogheda
3pts 6-10 bet365

Derry to beat Longford
3pts 17-20 Hills

Cabinteely to beat Bray
1pt 15-4 BoyleSports

Preview

Saint Patrick's can get something off Shamrock Rovers when they clash at Tallaght on Friday evening.

Since Stephen O'Donnell took over as Saints manager, these sides have faced each other five times and there has been almost nothing in it.

It could be a similar story on this occasion, with Rovers having improved of late. But they are nowhere near as convincing at the back as they looked last season.

Pat's have plenty about them going forward and have lost only four games all season. Alfie Lewis, who has joined from West Ham, has made a fine impression, while Darragh Burns offers a big threat down the right.

Drogheda United will be without Dane Massey and James Brown for the visit of Waterford, who have taken ten points from a possible 15 recently.

The odds look wrong for this one and Blues should fancy their chance of getting out of the bottom two for the first time in months. Their rally under Marc Bircham has been remarkable.

Longford have not won a game since they beat an insipid Derry on day one.

Derry are playing a lot better now and, despite again failing to beat Town at Brandywell since, they should have too much quality at Strokestown Road on Saturday.

In Division One, Cabinteely look way overpriced at home to Bray, who are only five points ahead of them and hardly in great form at present.

Cabo have the benefit of home support in Stradbrook and could make that pay.

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