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

Best bets

Shamrock Rovers -2 in Asian handicap
7.45pm Friday
2pts 21-20 bet365

Dundalk
7.45pm Friday
1pt 5-2 Betfair

League of Ireland predictions

The most exhilarating battle to win the League of Ireland concludes on Friday evening and Shamrock Rovers can keep up their side of the bargain by beating Waterford at a sold out Tallaght.

The Hoops must defeat the Blues and hope that Shelbourne, who are two points better off but have a goal-difference disadvantage, fail to win at Derry City.

Waterford head to the capital having claimed just eight points from their last 13 matches, and while they have had a perfectly satisfactory season following promotion, it is hard to see them being competitive against the champions.

Rovers were out of sorts for much of the first half of the campaign but they have improved markedly in the closing weeks and a record of four clean sheets from their last five league games is testament to their stride. They should easily dispatch Blues.

Back the Hoops giving two goals in the Asian handicap, with stakes returned if Stephen Bradley's men prevail by exactly two goals.

Bookmakers have had no easy task pricing up Derry and Shelbourne and while Shels will almost certainly need all three points, it's hard to see them winning at Brandywell if Damien Duff's hosts perform to their best of their ability.

The Louth derby between Drogheda and Dundalk had all the makings of a proper cracker in the relegation scrap but Dundalk are already down and Drogs have nothing to play for. 

With the club in shocking financial trouble, this is a swansong for many of the Dundalk players and they look too big on recent efforts against a weakened United team. 

Stephen Kenny's St Patrick's seek European football and victory in Sligo would be their ninth on the bounce. Sligo look underrated but it's hard to oppose Saints on current form.

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