There is a busy four day programme ahead in the SSE Airtricity League with two series of matches in the Premier Division and one in the First Division where there is a top of the table clash.
Tonight, there are six top flight matches down for decision and Shamrock Rovers have an opportunity to haul SSE Airtricity League Premier Division leaders Dundalk back into the pack when they face the champions at Tallaght Stadium.
Although unbeaten in their seven games to date, the Hoops trail the Lilywhites by four points and lie fourth behind Bohemians and Cork City. Shamrock Rovers manager Pat Fenlon is well aware of the importance of the game.
"It's a big game for us, Dundalk and the League in general and we're confident we can get a good result. There should be a big, colourful crowd on the night and it's the kind of game we all look forward to. That's certainly the case this time around," said Fenlon.
Fifth place St Patrick’s Athletic, who are currently four points off fourth spot, travel across the capital to Dalymount Park to face second place Bohemians who have kept an impressive six clean sheets in winning six of their seven league games so far this season but will have their title credentials severely tested in the coming weeks.
"The next four games are huge. First Pat’s, and then away to Sligo and Derry in the same week, and Cork the following week. That’s the challenge for us and we’re looking forward to it,” said Bohs manager Keith Long.
Third place Cork City are on Boyneside to face a Drogheda United team that was unlucky to lose last Friday’s Co Louth derby with Dundalk to a late Richie Towell goal while Sligo Rovers will be hoping to build on their first win of the season last week when they travel to Longford Town.
“To get that first win under our belts is massive. But it’s not just about getting one win, we have to continue now and get more wins,” said Sligo Rovers manager Owen Heary.
Bray Wanderers, rejuvenated under caretaker manager Maciej Tarnogrodzki, can continue their climb up the table when they visit Derry City, who held Shamrock Rovers to a scoreless draw at the Brandywell last week, while the remaining match on Friday is a basement battle between Galway United and Limerick at Eamonn Deacy Park.
"It's a very important game," said Galway boss Tommy Dunne. "We're at home again and our aim is simple, we want to win the match. I keep saying we have to do our best to win our home matches.”
This week’s First Division games are equally split between Friday and Saturday night and the top match of the weekend is the top of the table clash on Saturday night at Ferrycarrig Park between second place Wexford Youths and leaders Finn Harps.
Saturday’s other game sees Cobh Ramblers host Shelbourne while on tonight Athlone Town face Cabinteely and UCD meet Waterford United.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Bohemians v St. Patrick’s Athletic, Dalymount Park, 19:45.
Derry City v Bray Wanderers, Brandywell Stadium, 19:45.
Drogheda United v Cork City, United Park, 19:45.
Galway United v Limerick, Eamonn Deacy Park, 19:45.
Longford Town v Sligo Rovers, City Calling Stadium, 19:45.
Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk, Tallaght Stadium, 20:00.
SSE Airtricity League First Division
Athlone Town v Cabinteely, Athlone Town Stadium, 19:45.
UCD v Waterford United, The UCD Bowl, 19:45.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
SSE Airtricity League First Division
Wexford Youths v Finn Harps, Ferrycarrig Park, 19:00.
Cobh Ramblers v Shelbourne, St. Colman’s Park, 19:45.
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