Friday's League of Ireland predictions including Shamrock Rovers vs. Bohemians

Drogheda vs. Sligo (Friday, 7.45pm)

Sligo Rovers will be looking to end their five-game winless run away from home when they visit the United Park to face Drogheda United on Friday.

The Claret and Blue Army, on the other hand, head into the weekend on a run of four straight games without defeat across all competitions and will look to keep the juggernaut rolling.

We say: Drogheda United 1-1 Sligo Rovers

While Sligo Rovers will be looking to extend their dominance over the hosts, they have struggled to get going on the road in recent weeks. Sligo Rovers, meanwhile, are unbeaten in four straight games and we predict they will do just enough to come away with a share of the spoils.

Shelbourne vs. Dundalk (Friday, 7.45pm)

Seeking to pick up a seventh consecutive victory across all competitions, Dundalk square off with Shelbourne at the Shelbourne Football Club Stadium on Friday.

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The hosts, on the other hand, will head into the game seeking to get one over the Lilywhites, having failed to win any of the last 13 meetings between the sides since 2012.

We say: Shelbourne 0-2 Dundalk

Shelbourne have suffered a slump in recent weeks, losing and failing to score in each of their last two outings. Dundalk, in contrast, head into the game in superb form, claiming six wins from six, while they are unbeaten in nine straight outings. We predict a one-sided affair with the visitors coming out victorious.

UCD vs. Derry (Friday, 7.45pm)

Two sides fighting at opposite ends of the League of Ireland Premier Division will square off on Friday, as University College Dublin welcome Derry City to the UCD Bowl.

A difficult run of form has seen the visitors drop to third spot in the top flight, now sitting eight points off the top spot, while their hosts find themselves rooted to the foot of the division.

We say: University College Dublin 1-4 Derry City

Derry City find themselves far from their best, but we can only envisage them outclassing the basement side and arresting their slump on Friday.

The hosts do have a collection of promising young players, but the 7-1 win for Derry in the previous meeting suggests that UCD will struggle to match their opponents.

Shamrock vs. Bohemians (Friday, 7.45pm)

Shamrock Rovers will aim to extend their lead at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division table on Friday, when they welcome rivals Bohemians for a Dublin derby.

A defeat to second-placed Dundalk last time out saw the hosts' advantage reduced to five points, while their visitors climbed back to sixth spot thanks to a win over Shelbourne.

We say: Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Bohemians

In a hotly-contested derby, Shamrock Rovers will be boosted by home advantage, and, with the incentive of staying clear of Dundalk, we back them to return to winning ways against their Dublin rivals.

Finn Harps vs. St Patrick's (Friday, 8.00pm)

With 20 points and four sides separating them in the League of Ireland Premier Division, Finn Harps and St Patrick's Athletic will square off at Finn Park on Friday.

The hosts currently occupy the relegation playoff place and sit just two points above basement side University College Dublin, while their visitors find themselves fourth and within touching distance of the top three after a victory last time out.

We say: Finn Harps 0-2 St Patrick's Athletic

St Patrick's Athletic head into the game in far better form than their hosts, and we can only envisage a relatively straightforward away win against the strugglers.