We hope everybody enjoyed their week off, becuase football is back tonight. Here's what you should be looking out for in week 15 of the SSE Airtricity League/
1) Can Dundalk get back to winning ways in Derry?
Both sides may have an eye to Europe next week but, particularly for Dundalk, the return to league action must take precedent. They lead the pack by 3 points, but with Cork City only a game in hand behind, know any points dropped over the European period could be crucial. Dundalk are missing both first choice strikers through injury (Hoban) or suspension (McMillan) but should have enough firepower from midfield to claim all three points. Derry are in somewhat of a no-mans land in the league. They won't be relegated and they won't finish in the top 4. With a relatively handy European draw (Aberystwyth Town), they can be forgiven for prioritising that.
2) Can Cork City keep up the pressure?
A brilliant win against fellow challengers Shamrock Rovers gave Cork City their first points away to the top four last time out and copper fastened their claim to be serious title rivals. Tonight they defend their unbeaten home record against Munster rivals Limerick in front of what's sure to be the night's biggest attendance. Since losing 2-1 to Cork, Limerick have won their last 3 league games and now sit comfortably in the top half. Cork will still be favourites to win tonight but with pressure on them for the first time this season, we'll see how they respond.
3) Can St Pats make shift defence do enough to keep them in the hunt?
Last time out St Pats became the first side to keep a clean sheet in Oriel Park and they did so with 10 men and a couple of regular starters out injured. Tonight they face Bray Wanderers likely to be missing 4 defenders through injury and suspension. Right back Ger O'Brien is recovering from a groin injury, Sean Hoare hasn't played since being stretchered off 3 weeks ago and both Ken Oman and Kenny Browne are suspended. The defence is likely to see midfielders James Chambers and Conor McCormack play but they're lucky to face a Bray Wanderers side that have scored once in their last 9 league and cup ties. On the other hand, Pats are averaging 3 goals at home this season. Should be fun in Inchicore.
4) What happens in Dalymount; Bohs first home win or Athlone's first away point?
We've mentioned it before but Bohs home record really is horrible. They've 2 wins in their last 20 home league games and none this season (scoring only 5 goals). They won't get a better chance to break that run than tonight against Athlone Town. Despite improving at home recently (2 wins in 3 games), Athlone are still looking for their first point away from home. if they can win tonight, teams like UCD, Bohs and particularly Drogheda will start to get very, very nervous.
5) Which team responds best to the new manager; Sligo Rovers or Drogheda United?
The biggest LOI news of the mid-season break was Sligo Rovers sacking mutally consenting Ian Baraclough. The Englishman who brought the club's first league title in 35 years paid the price for a lacklustre start to the season which saw the bit o'red lose 6 times in the league and exit the FAI Cup. He's been replaced by another Englishman, this time the experienced John Coleman who's career includes getting Accrington Stanley promoted to the Football league in 2006. He can't have asked for a better first opponent than Drogheda United. Drogheda have lost 10 of their last 11 league games and that was enough for rookie manager Robbie Horgan to be sacked mutually consented. Drogheda stayed local and gave former interim manager Darius Kierans another shot. He has a tougher job than Coleman but at least he's worked in the league before. Good luck to both.
Whatever happens, enjoy the games!
