1. Munster derby at the Cross
SECOND-PLACED CORK City host Munster rivals Limerick tonight aiming to extend their winning run in the SSE Airtricity League to six games.
The Rebels closed the gap on Dundalk heading into the break with a 2-0 win away to Shamrock Rovers and face an in-form Limerick — who have been victorious in all four fixtures since losing out 2-1 when the teams last met in May.
Stuart Taylor’s men are up to sixth in the table and are likely to bring a large crowd to Turner’s Cross which should make for yet another great atmosphere at the ground.
2. Fresh starts for Drogs and Sligo
Two clubs who have recently parted company with their managers meet as Sligo Rovers visit United Park.
Ian Baraclough’s replacement John Coleman takes charge for the first time and will be aiming to get his reign off to a winning start after their relatively disappointing season so far.
For the home side, Darius Kierans begins his second stint as Drogs caretaker having previous filled the role after the departure of Alan Mathews four years ago.
3. Horgan’s the man of the moment
A brilliant run of form from Dundalk winger Daryl Horgan saw the 21-year-old named SSE Airtricity/SWAI Player of the Month for May yesterday.
The Galway native has been among the Lilywhites’ top performers since arriving from Cork City last December and he should feature when the league leaders travel to the Brandywell to take on Derry City this evening.
Derry are currently a massive five 23 points adrift of Dundalk in seventh and lost out 2-1 when the teams last faced each other in the EA Sports Cup quarter-final.
4. Saints back at home
St Patrick’s Athletic look to close in on the top two with victory over Bray Wanderers at Richmond Park.
The Saints held Dundalk to a 0-0 draw last time out while the Seagulls were hammered 5-0 by Bohemians a fortnight ago.
Speaking to the club’s website, Pat’s boss Liam Buckley: “We’re back into the swing of things now on Friday with the Bray game so the lads have been knuckling down hard this week as we prepare for it.
“Bray will be tough opponents, so we know that the performance levels will need to be high from the first minute to the last if we’re to get the points.”
5. There’s no World Cup
For the first time in a fortnight, we’ll be without live games from Brazil tonight as there is a one day break before the round of 16 begins tomorrow.
With that in mind, why not get out to take in some domestic football at your local club later.
Premier Division - Tonight (all 7.45pm)
- Bohemians v Athlone
- Cork v Limerick
- Derry v Dundalk
- Drogheda v Sligo
- St Pat’s v Bray
- UCD v Shamrock Rovers
First Division – Tonight (all 7.45pm unless stated otherwise)
- Galway v Longford
- Finn Harps v Waterford
- Shelbourne v Wexford Youths
- Cobh Ramblers v Shamrock Rovers B (Saturday, 7.45pm)
