League of Ireland predictions: betting preview and free football tips

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for this week's matches in the League of Ireland.

Best bets

Derry +0.5 on Asian handicap
5pts 33-40 bet365

Both teams to score in Finn Harps v Shamrock Rovers
1pt 11-8 Hills

Treaty or draw double chance
1pt 3-1 bet365

Preview

Derry City look overpriced to win at Bohemians on Friday in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

Ruaidhri Higgins left the Ireland set-up to manage Derry and the response has been immediate, as they went from no wins before he arrived to a 1-0 win at Sligo, although it was a forgettable game notable for how little Sligo created.

Derry can target finishing ahead of Bohs this season, yet the home side are odds-on behind closed doors.

That does not make much sense, particularly given how open Bohs have been defensively. They've already lost four games and failed to beat Longford at home. Derry should be well able to get a positive result.

Otherwise, it's a tricky set of fixtures this weekend. Drogheda host Sligo and Longford visit St Patrick's in the early games, with the markets looking about right.

It was surprising how vulnerable Shamrock Rovers looked defensively against Bohemians, testament to the attacking line-up Stephen Bradley picked.

If they play like that at Finn Harps, Harps should create chances, although they are up against it.

In Division 1, Shelbourne look too short at 1-4 at home to Treaty. Shels are deservedly favourites to win the league and indeed are clicking into gear but dark horses Treaty have yet to lose a game and can keep things tonight at Tolka Park.

They got a 1-1 draw in Galway when they could have won and they can only improve.

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