Good evening. Shamrock Rovers currently hold a three-point cushion at the top of the table, and have made the trip to Oriel Park at a time when Dundalk’s excellent return to the Premier Division has hit a sticky patch with one point from a possible 12.
Hoops boss Stephen Bradley has confirmed that captain Roberto Lopes won’t feature again before his participation in next month’s World Cup with Cape Verde, and while the experienced defender will undoubtedly be a loss the champions have the squad depth to deal with it.
Second-placed St Patrick’s Athletic are the division’s highest scorers so far (31) – putting four past Waterford a week ago – and will be favourites when they host an inconsistent Shelbourne side in a Dublin derby.
Having ended their nine-game winless run last Friday, Bohemians are at home to Drogheda United, who are six points behind their latest opponents despite winning three of their last four.
New Waterford manager Graham Coughlan endured a baptism of fire in his first match and the basement club are at the RSC twice over the coming days – against Derry City tonight and Drogheda on Monday.
Stick around to find out how it all unfolds here on the Irish Independent.