Top football tips for Friday: Top Friday Tips From Across Ireland – Goals, Drama, and a Touch of Class From Key Attackers.
Our panel of analysts have scoured the formbooks, team news, and key data to bring you four standout selections from Friday’s fixtures across Ireland’s Premier Division. Each comes with a detailed breakdown, backed by logic and evidence—not guesswork.
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⚽ Derry City vs Drogheda United
Expert: John Pentin; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Best Bet – Under 2.5 Goals
Rationale:
Friday’s meeting at the Brandywell is likely to be tight and tense, with the stakes particularly high in the race for Europe. Derry City head into this clash on the back of improved defensive displays, having conceded just once in their last two outings. Their back line, which was previously leaky, now appears to have regrouped and restored discipline.
Drogheda, on the other hand, have real problems on the road, scoring in only one of their last three away matches. They also carry multiple injury concerns, limiting their ability to rotate and play expansively. Kevin Doherty is likely to approach this game cautiously, aware of Derry’s pressing style and energy at home.
Both managers will be mindful of what’s at stake and may opt for risk-averse tactics. This has the hallmarks of a low-scoring, tactical battle, with the midfield becoming a bottleneck rather than a springboard.
Under 2.5 Goals | |
4/9 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Derry’s newly restructured defence and Drogheda’s travel troubles suggest a tight encounter at the Brandywell. With both sides wary of conceding ground in the European chase, expect a tactical battle rather than an open shootout. | |
⚽ Galway United vs Shelbourne
Expert: Herrin Kendrick; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Best Bet – Mipo Odubeko to Score Anytime
Rationale:
Shelbourne may not be the most consistent side in the division, but striker Mipo Odubeko continues to make an impression in the final third. With Galway likely to push forward at home and leave space behind, Odubeko’s pace and positioning make him the prime candidate to exploit those gaps.
Galway are missing their top scorer Moses Dyer through suspension, which not only weakens their own goal threat but could also shift their midfield focus, creating pockets of space for Shels to counter. Odubeko’s recent form has been encouraging—he’s scored in two of his last four appearances and looked lively against Waterford.
With interim boss Joey O’Brien now leading Shelbourne, there may be an added sense of urgency to play on the front foot, even away from home. Odubeko thrives in matches where space opens up—and Friday night in Galway could be tailored for him.
Mipo Odubeko to Score Anytime | |
15/8 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Odubeko’s movement and Shelbourne’s likely counter-attacking setup should trouble a Galway side missing their star man. With space to run into and confidence from recent form, he’s primed to hit the scoresheet.
| |
⚽ Shamrock Rovers vs Waterford United
Expert: Gram Dodd; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Best Bet – Both Teams to Score
Rationale:
League leaders Shamrock Rovers welcome a resurgent Waterford United side in a game that may be closer than expected. Rovers are strong at home and rarely fail to score, but they showed defensive frailties in their 2-0 defeat to Bohemians and could be vulnerable to pace in behind.
Waterford, led by the experienced Padraig Amond and supported by Tommy Lonergan and Conan Noonan, have developed into a dangerous counter-attacking unit. They’ve scored four goals across their last two games, including two against Shelbourne.
This match is unlikely to be a cagey affair. With Rovers looking to bounce back quickly and Waterford eyeing a top-five push, both teams are expected to play on the front foot. Given the attacking firepower on both sides, it’s difficult to imagine a clean sheet for either.
Both Teams to Score | |
19/20 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Both sides possess enough attacking threats to find the net, with Shamrock keen to respond after a rare defeat and Waterford arriving with growing confidence. Expect chances at both ends.
| |
⚽ Bohemians vs Sligo Rovers
Expert: Wolfgang Shotten; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Best Bet – Bohemians to Win to Nil
Rationale:
Bohemians return to Dalymount Park looking to keep pressure on leaders Shamrock Rovers, and this fixture against struggling Sligo looks like an opportunity they’ll want to take full advantage of. Bohs have tightened up at the back recently, registering three consecutive clean sheets at home, and are expected to control possession throughout.
Sligo are winless in four of their last five away games and remain toothless up front. Their lack of creativity in open play is a serious concern, especially with their main forward Owen Elding often isolated. Defensive issues are compounded by the suspension of John Mahon, which robs them of one of their more experienced centre-backs.
With Dalymount becoming something of a fortress once again, and Bohemians firing just enough to win without blowing teams away, a narrow home win without reply looks the safest route.
Bohemians to Win to Nil
| |
29/20 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Bohemians are strong at home, organised in defence and facing a Sligo side struggling to create chances. With the visitors low on confidence and missing key players, expect a controlled win and clean sheet. | |
🧲 Friday Super Double
Galway United vs Shelbourne – Over 2.5 Goals
Cork City vs St Patrick’s Athletic – St Pat’s to Win
Rationale:
This double covers two matches that promise drama. Galway and Shelbourne both have defensive vulnerabilities, and with creative players on each side, three goals is a real possibility. Meanwhile, St Pat’s are overdue a strong performance and will see Cork’s leaky backline as a perfect opportunity to regain momentum.
Friday’s Super Double | |
3/1 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning This double covers two matches that promise drama. Galway and Shelbourne both have defensive vulnerabilities, and with creative players on each side, three goals is a real possibility. Meanwhile, St Pat’s are overdue a strong performance and will see Cork’s leaky backline as a perfect opportunity to regain momentum. | |
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