Expert FAI Cup predictions and football betting tips from Johnny Ward

Best bets

All matches 7.45pm Friday

Athlone Town to win the FAI Cup 
1pt each-way 80-1 Paddy Power

Kerry to beat Cobh Ramblers
1pt 11-4 Paddy Power

League of Ireland predictions

 Exactly 100 years since their only win in the competition and almost 50 since they nearly beat Milan, Athlone Town are worth a bet to land the FAI Cup.

Three all-Premier Division ties are taking place in the second round this weekend, so punters may need to look a little left-field. At 80-1, half those odds to reach the final, a case can be made for Town.

Derry play Saint Patrick's, Shamrock Rovers visit Bohemians and Dundalk host Drogheda so, presuming Town overcome non-league Ringmahon Rangers on Friday night, they have a strong chance of a decent draw to get into the last eight.

Town have won their last three games in Division One, are up to second in the table, and this week's eye-catching signing of Leo Ghaxa shows they are hungry to improve more. They are well capable of going on a run in the competition, having reached the semi-finals four years ago with a far weaker side.

Patrick's are tempting at 14-1 despite having to go to Derry, while Galway United are in good nick, having reached the semi-finals last season, and they face a straightforward challenge at home to Longford Town. Bookmakers are taking no chances about John Caulfield's side at 7-1, though, and Greg Cunningham hopes to be available for Galway after signing from Preston. .

With the non-league teams still playing a winter season, they are massively up against it at this stage of the year, and accumulators will be popular this weekend. Few wagers appeal, but given the progress Kerry are making in Division 1, they can surprise Cobh Ramblers at Colman's Park.

The Kingdom have become really competitive and it is hard to think they are inferior to Cobh at this stage so 11-4 looks value. 

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