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

Best bets

Over 2.5 goals in Shamrock Rovers v Sligo
Premier Division, 7.45pm Friday
3pts 8-11 Betfair

Dundalk
Premier Division, 7.45pm Friday
2pts 31-10 bet365

Over 2.5 goals in Kerry-Cork
Division One, 7.45pm Friday
2pts 4-5 Betfair

Wexford
FAI Cup, 7.45pm Friday
2pts 10-11 general 

League of Ireland predictions

Goals look assured when Shamrock Rovers host Sligo in front of the RTE cameras on Friday evening.

The game is priced up as if it were being played at the start of the season, with the champions no better than 4-11 for victory even though they are three places below Sligo in the Premier Division standings with seven rounds of fixtures remaining. 

It's difficult to fathom why the Hoops are so short, especially as the game is just as important for the visitors, who remain in the running for a top-three finish.

That said, Nando Pijnaker's departure is a big blow for Sligo, and having shipped seven goals at Drogheda in their last away game, it is really difficult to see them keeping the champions at bay. 

Shamrock Rovers's title defence has been bafflingly poor but if they get going they should create a host of chances. They tend to give up plenty too, however, and 8-11 about there being three or more goals appeals.

Relegation looks on the cards for Dundalk and the news of their financial issues – they may struggle to complete the season – is a tricky one for punters. 

Dundalk's players have not been paid on time but it would be unwise to expect them to down tools and they are well capable of getting something at Waterford, who were really poor in defeat at Sligo last time out.

Dundalk have not thrown in the towel, have some decent attacking players and look a spot of value to beat a side who have lost five of their last six in the league and have developed a tendency to concede soft goals.

Cork have taken their foot off the gas after winning the First Division and goals look likely in the Munster derby in Kerry, for all that stakes should be kept modest.

In the FAI Cup, Derry look shaky odds-on favourites against Shelbourne, but Wexford appeal at home to a Treaty side having a disappointing campaign.

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