There's 5 tiers in the SSE Airtricity League now and with 16 games over the next 4 days all of them are going to be effected this weekend. We look at how it might play out
1) The title race
It was starting to look ominous for Cork City but last week Colin Healy's wondergoal gave them a huge three points as Dundalk struggled in Drogheda. Dundalk still have a 4 point lead but they look to have the tougher weekend ahead. They host a newly-confident Limerick side this evening and on Monday travel to Sligo in what is always a tough game. Cork on the other hand travel to a depleted Derry City side this evening before a home game against strugglers Bray Wanderers on Monday. It won't surprise too many if the gap is narrowed this weekend
2) The battle for Europe
The title is gone for champions St Pats and they'r level on points with Shamrock Rovers and new manager Pat Fenlon. If someone outside the top 4 wins the FAI Cup, one of these will miss out on Europe and both clubs kinda need that. Pats have 2 home games this weekend; tonight v UCD (live on Setanta Ireland, 8pm) and Monday v Limerick. They've won their last 8 home league games and need to make it 10. Rovers play in Athlone this evening and Monday see Fenlon take Rovers to his old club Bohemians for what's always a grudge match. His first club as a player (Pats) will be hoping Bohs can pick up points.
3) The fight to avoid relegation
Athlone are running out of games to avoid finishing bottom. They host Shamrock Rovers tonight while UCD travel to Inchicore and Bray host Sligo Rovers. if all 3 lose (as likely), they're left with 9 games to make up 6 points (considering they've won 12 all season...). On Monday Bray should lose in Cork so the game between UCD and Athlone in Belfield is huge.
4) The hunt for promotion
Longford Town had their first stumble in a while last week drawing at home to Finn Harps. They still have a 4 point lead with only 7 games left but a failure to win at home to Galway tomorrow will make everyone there start to wonder if Tony Cousins is about to half a Tony Cousins-like choke again. Waiting in the wings are Shelbourne who travel to Wexford knowing a slip-up can't happen if they're to put pressure on. They final play off spot is between Galway and Wexford too...
5) The midtable hunt chase race fight splodge
There are lots of teams with little to play for with 10 games left in the Premier Division. Some like Derry, Bohs, Drogheda will hope that they can add an FAI Cup run to their season. For others like Sligo or Limerick it's a case of new managers taking stock of what they have to offer.
Whatever happens, enjoy the games!
