Friday's League of Ireland Premier predictions including Derry City vs. Bohemians

Cork City vs. Dundalk (Friday, 7.45pm)

Cork City will be aiming to make it five straight wins in the League of Ireland Premier Division when they continue their campaign at home to Dundalk on Friday night.

Liam Buckley's side have triumphed in each of their last four to rise into eighth position in the table, while Dundalk sit sixth, eight points ahead of their opponents in this contest.

We say: Cork City 1-1 Dundalk

Cork's recent form has been excellent, but their run of victories is going to come to an end at some stage, and we are backing that to happen on Friday. A point against Dundalk would still be a strong result for the home side, and we are finding it difficult to separate them in this contest.

Derry vs. Bohemians (Friday, 7.45pm)

Second will welcome fourth in the League of Ireland Premier Division on Friday evening, with Derry City taking on Bohemians at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Derry, who are four points off the top of the table, will enter the match off the back of a 4-1 defeat at St Patrick's Athletic, while Bohemians were beaten 2-1 by an in-form Cork City in their last game.

We say: Derry City 1-1 Bohemians

Both sides will enter this match off the back of disappointing results, which could create a cagey contest on Friday night. A draw would not be the worst result for either side at this stage of the season, and we are expecting the points to be shared in a close game.

Drogheda vs. St Patrick's (Friday, 7.45pm)

St Patrick's Athletic will go in search of a fifth successive victory when they face struggling Drogheda United at United Park on Friday night.

The hosts find themselves second from bottom in the League of Ireland Premier Division table following back-to-back defeats, while the visitors are flying high in third place.

We say: Drogheda United 0-2 St Patrick's Athletic

While St Patrick's Athletic have won each of their last four matches - scoring 10 goals along the way - Drogheda United have lost four of their previous six encounters.

With that in mind, we expect the visitors to notch a fourth victory in five away games, while the Saints are also on course to keep a clean sheet against the low-scoring Drogs.

Shelbourne vs. Sligo (Friday, 7.45pm)

Two places separate Shelbourne and Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier Division heading into Friday's meeting at Tolka Park.

The home side tend to secure positive results at their ground, but the same cannot be said for Rovers, whose road form leaves much to be desired.

We say: Shelbourne 2-1 Sligo Rovers

Five of Shelbourne's home victories have been by a goal margin, while Rovers' defeats tend to end similarly.

With that in mind, the expectation is another tight affair at Tolka Park, with Duff's men sealing a sixth home success this term.

Shamrock vs. UCD (Friday, 8.00pm)

Shamrock Rovers will attempt to strengthen their lead at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division when they play host to University College Dublin on Friday night.

Top will be meeting bottom in the standings with the visitors already as many as 14 points adrift of a relegation playoff place.

We say: Shamrock Rovers 4-0 University College Dublin

Although Shamrock have slipped up on a couple of occasions of late, this should be a breeze for the home side. The visitors have not conceded fewer than three goals in their recent matches, and we expect that unwanted streak to continue here.