Drogheda United v St Patrick’s Athletic (Hunky Dory’s Park, 7.05pm)
The Drogs face St Pat’s, who will be hoping they can maintain the pressure on league leaders Sligo Rovers in the televised game tonight.
The hosts’ manager, Mick Cooke, insists his side has plenty to play for.
“Our season is far from over and there’s still a lot of work to be done. This is a big game for everyone, we all want to keep the pressure up on Sligo Rovers.
“Liam Buckley and I are both out to win this while I’m sure Sligo will be hoping for us to draw. All the games between us this season have been close, having beaten them in Inchicore in the league, we will want to get another one over them at home.”
Meanwhile, his opposite number, Liam Buckley, says he is expecting a tough match.
“Tuesday’s win was really key as it leaves us in a good position ahead of the game in Drogheda.
“There’s a lot at stake on Friday as a win for either side will leave them in a strong position for second place and move closer to Sligo.“Drogheda have had a fantastic season to date, their EA Sports Cup victory was thoroughly deserved and in terms of the league, they are third on merit.”
Team news: Michael Schlingermann, Michael Marks and John Sullivan all return for Drogheda, who must cope without the services of Declan O’Brien.
Mark Rossiter (knee) is still out for Pat’s, while Dean Kelly, Hernany Macedo, and John Russell are doubtful. However, they do have Chris Forrester back from suspension.
UCD v Bohemians (The Belfield Bowl, 7.45pm)
UCD host Bohemians at the Belfield Bowl amid a decent run of form for the Students.
Their manager, Martin Russell, says he is not surprised Bohs have enjoyed a decent season.
“Bohemians find themselves safely placed in mid table and they have a good chance of building on this season thanks to the work down by Aaron and Terry.
“I know both lads from their time spent here at the club on our coaching staff and it’s no surprise to me the job that they have done this season.”
Bohs manager Aaron Callaghan also admitted to being impressed with the Students.
“They have some very talented young players and they’re a well-organised unit. When they hit form they can beat anyone.“Their levels of fitness are very high. They train like full-time professionals. They have their facilities on-site and they can fit their training in around their schooling, which is an ideal model for any club.”
Team news: UCD are missing goalkeeper John Kelly, who needs surgery after suffering a groin injury, and Graham Rusk, Tyrone McNelis and Tomas Boyle are doubtful.
For Bohs, Keith Ward is suspended, while Derek Pender returns after his ban, and Dinny Corcoran may also feature for the visitors.
Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk (Tallaght Stadium, 8pm)
Dundalk face Shamrock Rovers knowing the game is hugely important for their hopes of survival in the league.
Rovers’ Director of Football Brian Laws is hopeful the side can deliver a good performance for his first home league game in charge.
“We are all looking forward to the game, it’s my first home league game since I came in and I’ll be expecting a similar performance to the second half on Tuesday night against St Patrick’s from the players.
“We need to put in a good, solid performance and get the win under our belts. We’ll give Dundalk the due respect that they deserve, but as far as we’re concerned, we’ll be concentrating on going out there and getting the three points.”
Meanwhile, Dundalk caretaker boss Darius Kierans acknowledges tonight’s game is crucial for his side.
“We haven’t given up. Of course, you have to be realistic about it and be looking at the playoff, but there are still a lot of points to play for,” Kierans said.
“UCD have won five out of their last six games, so you can’t legislate for that. I think we’re in a false position, eight points behind Bray, because there are a lot of games where we deserved something or deserved more than we got.“We have to keep going. There is no doubt that we have to get a win in our next two games, either in Tallaght on Friday or The Brandywell next Tuesday, otherwise we’ll be in the playoff.”
Team news: Graham Gartland and Conor Winn are injured for Rovers, while Pat Sullivan is suspended.
Dundalk are missing a number of players, including Mark Griffin, Derek Foran (both suspended), Lorcan Shannon (on-loan from Rovers) and Garreth Brady (ankle). Peter Thomas (thigh) & Robbie Gaul (knee) are available again.
Shelbourne v Bray, (Tolka Park, 8pm)
Bray take on Shelbourne at Tolka Park tonight, with both sides hovering towards the bottom half of the table.
Speaking ahead of the game, Shels manager Alan Mathews said:
“Bray had a good result against the team at the top of the table. It’s always difficult against any team in this division and Bray are no different.
“The players know the importance of the game and we will go into it with confidence and a positive attitude, having picked up the three points last week in Oriel.”
On the other hand, Bray Director of Football Pat Devlin admits his side have not enjoyed playing Shels this season.
“Shelbourne have been a difficult side for us this season, they have been our bogey team.“I hope we can get the bit of luck that has been missing on Friday night.
Team news: Anto Murphy and Stephen Paisley are suspended for tonight’s game for the hosts.
And for Bray, Kevin O’Connor has returned from suspension, meaning they have a full squad to choose from.
