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

Best bets

Shelbourne 
3pts 4-5 general

Dundalk 
1pt 5-1 general 

St Patrick's draw no bet 
3pts 6-10 Hills 

League of Ireland predictions

Shelbourne have won just one of their last ten games in the League of Ireland, but they have the title still within their grasp and they need to beat Waterford in Tolka Park on Friday.

Waterford are the only team in the league with little left to play for this season and, if Shels' form over the past couple of months has been a cause for concern, so has the Blues', as they have won just two of their last ten league fixtures. 

It will be 12 days since Shels lost 2-0 at Shamrock Rovers and Damien Duff's side should come through this test with sterner examinations still to come. 

Dundalk were surprisingly defiant in Galway, earning a draw, and they look a big price against a Derry side who punters tend to find difficult to trust. 

The Candystripes were disappointing in a 1-1 draw at home to Sligo on Monday and, with Oriel Park packed to the rafters, the Lilywhites merit a bet at 5-1.

Two teams who are still somehow in the title race are St Patrick's and Galway, who face off in Inchicore. 

Galway have performed well this season but it is hard to see them winning at a side who have scored 12 goals in their last four games.

Shamrock Rovers need a win from their visit to Drogheda as they too are in a tight title race. 

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