League of Ireland betting preview, match tips, odds & analysis

7.45pm Friday

It is a low-key Friday in the League of Ireland Premier Division, with the two favourites fancied to oblige.

Waterford United host Finn Harps with backers of the home side, who seem to be safe, perhaps having to worry about the Blues' hunger, but UCD's resurgent may have put the hosts on guard in third-last place.

Michael O'Connor should do well for Alan Reynolds' side, who are desperately short of striking options, and they could be comfortable against a Finn Harps outfit who have picked up only three points from a possible 36 on the road.

• League of Ireland Premier standings, stats and match prices
• League of Ireland Division One standings

Derry are probably the third-best team in the league and should account for Sligo Rovers at Brandywell, Sligo having failed to score in three of their last four matches. Derry are pushing hard for Europe, emphasising the importance of this game against their mid-table rivals.

The First Division has been exciting this season and Limerick have fared well despite off-the-field issues. It is hard to know why they are 7-2 at home to a Drogheda side who are only six points ahead of them in the table.

Cabinteely host Longford in what should be a tight game with both sides very much in the race for promotion. Stradbrook's surface has improved but the clash should be low-scoring, and the draw appeals.

Recommendations
Waterford (4-6) and Derry (8-11) double
2pts BoyleSports
Limerick
2pts 7-2 bet365
Cabinteely v Longford draw
1pt 5-2 bet365

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