1. Sligo looking to maintain perfect start
Tonight’s televised game sees the champions and league leaders in Dublin to take on Bohemians, who haven’t played in 11 days due to their meeting with St Patrick’s Athletic being the victim of the recent bad weather.
If Aaron Callaghan’s men can avoid defeat they will do what no team has been able in 2013 by taking points off the Bit O’Red – enjoying their best ever start to a season. On a Dalymount pitch which has received criticism recently, seventh-placed Bohs must do without Chris Lyons while Sligo are sure to look to Anthony Elding for goals as the striker has scored in all of their previous league outings.
2. Misfiring Hoops need to start scoring
Shamrock Rovers boss Trevor Croly must be sick of 0-0 draws with three of their opening four games finishing in stalemates.
While he will be delighted that his men have yet to concede in the Premier Division, it’s in the goalscoring department that they are currently struggling in. However, on a positive note, their only league fixture at home saw them earn a 3-0 victory over St Patrick’s Athletic.
Cork, with four points from four games, make the trip to Tallaght where they snatched a draw thanks to John Dunleavy’s injury-time header last season but do so without Dan Murray (work commitments), and injured pair Neal and Daryl Horgan.
3. Patterson Derry’s main threat
Derry’s top marksman Rory Patterson will be looking to add to his four league goals when Shelbourne travel to Brandywell. The Candystripes have dealt well with several absentees, sitting second behind Sligo, and are buoyed by the return of key members like Barry McNamee and brothers Partick and Shane McElenay.
Shelbourne earned their first point against Shamrock Rovers on Sunday to take them ahead of bottom-placed UCD but they must continue to ground out results in order to pull away from the drop zone.
4. Big chance for Students to earn first points
If UCD are to avoid relegation this year, it is vital that they pick up points in fixtures like this one. Bray are two places above the Students so an away win at the Carlisle Grounds would be hugely significant and Martin Russell knows it.
“The game against Bray is one we look forward to,” the UCD manager said. “The Dundalk game was one that got away a bit as we had chances to win it but as ever we look to progress our young squad’s experience and these games against Bray and Sligo at home on Monday are invaluable for them.”
They’re without the services of Mick Leahy and Robbie Benson while talisman Jason Byrne is a doubt for the Seagulls and defender Adam Mitchell is definitely out.
5. Rusty Saints head to Thomond
Unbeaten Limerick have held their own since earning promotion to the Premier Division and on Saturday welcome a Pat’s team who, like Bohemians, didn’t play last week meaning they’re last league outing was the 3-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers.
After two draws and a win, Lims went down to Sligo on Saturday but it was only by the odd goal and they are not a team to be taken lightly.
Premier Division (7.45pm unless stated)
- Bohemians v Sligo Rovers (7.05pm)
- Derry City v Shelbourne
- Bray Wanderers v UCD
- Shamrock Rovers v Cork City
- Limerick v St Patrick’s Athletic (Saturday)
First Division (7.45pm unless stated)
- Athlone Town v Salthill Devon
- Mervue United v Finn Harps
- Wexford Youths v Waterford (8pm)
- Cobh Ramblers v Longford Town (Saturday)
