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

When to bet

Shamrock Rovers v Shelbourne
Premier Division, 5.45pm Sunday

Galway v Dundalk
Premier Division, 7.45pm Friday

Bohemians v Derry City
FAI Cup, 7.45pm Friday

Best bets

Shamrock Rovers to win the Premier Division 
1pt each-way 14-1 bet365

Galway (11-20) & Shamrock Rovers (13-20)
3pts double bet365 

Bohemians +0.25 on Asian handicap
3pts 1.87 Hills 

League of Ireland predictions

It's FAI Cup semi-finals weekend in Ireland but more focus will be on the scintillating title race that is developing.

Any sort of jeopardy at the top has been a rarity in the last ten years. But with only four rounds of matches remaining, five teams are still in with a shot of being crowned champions.

Galway, who have been highly rated in the markets all season, will somehow jump above Derry if they beat Dundalk, and that looks a good thing with the Lilywhites staring relegation in the face and their players unsure of wages week to week.

On Sunday, Shamrock Rovers host a Shelbourne side on a desperate run, and with so many players missing in Tallaght, it is difficult to see Shels getting anything from the game. 

Back the Galway-Rovers double but the 14-1 about the champions each-way in bet365's outright betting (a quarter the odds for a top-two finish) is far too big as well. 

Derry. meanwhile, still have to play St Patrick's and Shelbourne.

City are in cup action this weekend but they could be vulnerable against Bohemians, who look a decent price at home. City's away record is poor and Dalymount will be raucous. 

Back Bohemians with a quarter-goal start on the Asian handicap – half the bet is on Bohs draw no bet and the other a lay of Derry.  

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.