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

Best bets

Both teams to score in St Patrick's vs Derry
7.45pm Friday
3pts 3-4 bet365

League of Ireland predictions

Shelbourne are in the unlikely position of holding their League of Ireland trophy hopes in their own hands but that's also the case for Derry City as the season reaches the penultimate round.

The stars look to be aligning for Damien Duff's Shels, who won 3-1 against a Waterford team with nothing to play for last week and, thanks to Bohemians' win in Sligo, will host a Drogheda team who are similarly lacking in motivation at Tolka Park on Friday evening.

Shamrock Rovers, who are very much in the race too, head to relegated Dundalk on Sunday and it would be a shock if they did not prevail. Still, at a shade of odds-against, the double on the two Dublin rivals is of limited appeal.

A draw is of little use to either team so the meeting between Saint Patrick's and Derry at Richmond Park should be a cracker. Saints would possibly settle for European football right now while Derry, who are two points behind Shelbourne, will likely exit the title race unless they win or the Reds drop points.

There is lots of attacking quality on display at both ends and there should be chances aplenty. 

Galway need a home win to stay in the hunt for Europe while opponents Sligo are out of the race, so the hosts should prevail.

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