1. Lilywhites need to bounce back
HAVING LOST OUT to St Patrick’s Athletic in the meeting of the Premier Division’s top two last Friday night, Dundalk welcome Limerick to Oriel Park knowing they have ground to make up on their title rivals.
The gap between first and second is currently six points after the Saints defeated Bray 3-1 last night so Stephen Kenny’s men must overcome Limerick if they are to have any hope going into the final four games.
However, they will be without their captain Stephen O’Donnell, suspended after a red card at Richmond Park, and the injured Patrick Hoban.
2. Time running out for Shels
Shelbourne remain rooted to the bottom of the table after losing out in the relegation six-pointer against Bohemians.
It is looking ominous for the Dubliners who travel west for a meeting with Sligo at the Showgrounds. The Bit O’Red sit in third place and will aim for home wins over Shels and Cork, who visit on Monday, as they attempt to catch Dundalk.
3. EA Sports Cup finalists meet again
Less than a week after Shamrock Rovers lifted the EA Sports Cup after a 2-0 victory over Drogheda in Tallaght, the teams face off for the fifth and final time this season.
Goals from Gary McCabe and Tommy Stewart were enough for the Hoops to claim the league cup but Drogheda will take positives from their performance. Rovers could be missing Ronan Finn and Richie Ryan while Derek Prendergast is suspended for the Drogs.
4. Bohs hoping to find safety
After a massive win over Shelbourne, Bohemians will be high on confidence going into fixtures with Derry tonight and Limerick in two day’s time.
“Last week we played very well and got our just reward,” said now assistant boss Owen Heary. ”But this weekend is even bigger, because if we match the results of the clubs around us, or even better them, it would take us out of the bottom three.
“If we win the two games, effectively we’re safe. I don’t want to be waiting until the last two games. I’d like to put this issue to bed this weekend.”
5. Students travel to Turner’s Cross
Croke had a good win over Drogheda at Hunky Dorys Park on Tuesday and face a UCD side without a win in four.
Cork coach Billy Woods: “Tuesday night saw us win a very open game in Drogheda. The challenge for this team now is to maintain this good form over the next five games starting with performance against UCD.”
