Friday's League of Ireland Premier predictions including Shelbourne vs. Sligo Rovers

Drogheda vs. Shamrock (Friday, 7.45pm)

Both aiming to bounce back from defeats last time out, Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers will square off at United Park on Friday.

The two sides are fighting at opposite ends of the League of Ireland Premier Division at the halfway mark of the campaign, with the hosts four points adrift of automatic safety while their visitors will bid to narrow their gap to the top two.

We say: Drogheda United 1-2 Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers travel on Friday with a lack of momentum given their recent slump and extensive selection concerns, particularly in defence, but they do still possess the quality to get past Drogheda United if Stephen Bradley's side are able to kick back into gear, and we fancy them to make a crucial return to winning ways at United Park.

Dundalk vs. Derry (Friday, 7.45pm)

Derry City make the trip to Dundalk on Friday evening looking for the win that will keep them in second place in the League of Ireland Premier Division table.

Meanwhile, the home side sit three points adrift in bottom spot and ideally need a victory to stay within sight of eighth, the current gap standing at seven points.

We say: Dundalk 1-3 Derry City

While Dundalk will be hoping that home advantage can swing things in their favour, facing the division's joint-top goalscorers is unlikely to lead to a positive result. With that in mind, we feel that Derry will run out fairly-convincing victors on Friday night.

Shelbourne vs. Sligo (Friday, 7.45pm)

Two teams operating at opposing ends in the League of Ireland Premier Division come together on Friday evening when Shelbourne host Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park.

The hosts are cruising at the top of the division with a six-point lead over second place, while the visitors are in eighth and four points above the relegation playoff place.

We say: Shelbourne 2-0 Sligo Rovers

Shelbourne's impressive run of form coming into this game compared to Sligo's series of disappointing results leaves the hosts as strong favourites to take the three points here, and we expect them to do just that.

The visitors have failed to score in six of their last 10 outings and we believe that streak will continue against the defensively solid home team.

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

Galway United make the trip to St Patrick's Athletic on Friday evening looking for the victory that could move them into third place in the League of Ireland standings.

Meanwhile, St Patrick's find themselves in seventh position and in need of a win to ease any lingering concerns regarding a potential relegation battle.

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

While this has the potential to be a competitive fixture, we cannot ignore where Galway could be if they win their games in hand. Possessing the best defensive record in the division, the visitors could run out winners and keep a clean sheet in the process.

Waterford vs. Bohemians (Friday, 7.45pm)

Just one point separates Waterford United and Bohemians ahead of Friday's League of Ireland Premier Division meeting at Waterford Regional Sports Centre.

The hosts have collected four wins from their last five outings, while the visitors have claimed just one win in six matches.

We say: Waterford United 2-1 Bohemians

We expect Friday's contest to be a close-fought affair between two teams separated by just one point after 17 league matches.

However, the hosts have momentum on their side following a run of four wins in five matches, and we think that extra confidence could give them the edge over Bohemians.