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

Best bets

Both teams to score in Derry vs Shamrock Rovers
Premier Division, 7.45pm Friday
3pts 19-20 bet365

St Patrick's Athletic
Premier Division, 7.45pm Friday
5pts 6-10 bet365

St Patrick's -2 on Asian handicap 
Premier Division, 7.45pm Friday
2pts 17-4 bet365

Dundalk draw no bet
Premier Division, 7.45pm Saturday
2pts 9-4 bet365 

League of Ireland predictions

It's all set up to be a cracker at Brandywell on Friday, when a draw is of limited use to either Derry City or Shamrock Rovers in their pursuit of League of Ireland leaders Shelbourne.

Champions Rovers are just about hanging on in the title race, but Derry's dismissal of Shels in the FAI Cup last weekend underlined that the league leaders are vulnerable and also showed the Candystripes' qualities when they have a full squad at their disposal.

There have been ten goals in Rovers' last three league games and, given the attacking quality on display at Brandywell, both teams to score looks a great bet at a shade of odds-on. 

Defeat would be disastrous for Rovers' title challenge and goals seem a certainty.

It has been a remarkable season, with one of its many quirks being that promoted Waterford are somehow still above St Patrick's after 30 matches. Saints are motoring now, though, and they should be far too strong for a vastly inferior side Waterford side in Inchicore.

Pat's are very well resourced and are only now beginning to fulfil their potential. Three points is essential in the race for Europe and there is every chance that they can produce a show of strength on Friday.

Galway's game against leaders Shelbourne is tough to call with Shels starting to falter as the finish line approaches.

Sligo would not have been expected to be so far ahead of Dundalk, who have to win in their battle against relegation.

Saturday's game is not quite as critical for Rovers and a punt on Dundalk in the draw-no-bet market is worth an interest.

Bohemians' battle with Drogheda should be entertaining as Bohs are ending the season with real gusto.

Click for more free bets and betting offers from the Racing Post

Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are handpicked and come from operators our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing and sports betting.