LOI fixtures preview:
Louth Derby takes centre stage while Cork City can wrap up First Division title.
It’s another big weekend of League of Ireland football as we head into the closing stages of the season as league titles, relegation fears and derby spoils are all on the agenda across both divisions.
The Premier Division sees four fixtures take place on Friday while Derry City and Shamrock Rovers do battle on Sunday afternoon due to the latter's European commitments. The standout fixture across this gameweek is another installment of the Louth Derby with both teams in dire need of three points following some recent poor form. Drogheda United continue to linger in the relegation playoff spot, while Dundalk’s challenge for a top three finish has faded over the last month of results. Elsewhere in the Premier Division, there’s a clash of the in-form sides as St. Pats host Waterford at Richmond Park while Galway United can overtake Shelbourne in the table with a win at Eamon Deacy Park. Sligo Rovers will also travel to Dalymount Park to play Bohemians for the final time before its redevelopment as they go in search of their first league win for three months in their bid for survival.
The First Division also potentially holds some interesting storylines, as runaway leaders Cork City can be officially crowned champions if they overcome Wexford at Turners across accompanied by wins for Finn Harps away to UCD and Athlone Town at home to Bray Wanderers. Elsewhere in the division, a Munster derby takes place at Mounthawk Park as Kerry host Treaty United as they look to retain a push for a playoff finish for the first time in their history, while Cobh Ramblers and Longford Town who are both deadlocked on 40 points do battle at St. Colman’s Park with a playoff spot both fresh in the minds of both sides with just eight games left to play.