The big 4 all play each other in a huge night for the SSE Airtricity League. here's what you should look out for;
1) The champions host the champions-elect
Champions St Pats haven't really been in the title race for several months now. This time last year they played Dundalk knowing a defeat would leave the sides level on points. Pats won emphatically and went on to ease to the league title. Even if they lose tonight, Dundalk will still have an 8 point lead (over Pats) and there'd only 6 games to play. So the best Pats can do in front of RTE's live cameras (kick off 7.05pm) is to play spoiler and hope a good result instills some confidence into them to finish top 3 and make a play at winning the FAI Cup. Dundalk don't need to win, but they'd love a repeat of their 4-1 thrashing of Pats in Inchicore earlier this season.
2) The challengers host the European chasers
Second place Cork City have stumbled recently with draws against 2 of the bottom 3 sides leaving them 6 points behind Dundalk. With a far inferior goal difference (+19 compared to Dundalk's +38), Cork know that they probably have to win each of their remaining 7 games to have any hope of wrestling the title away from Louth. They start tonigh by hosting Shamrock Rovers in a game that always brings out the locals. Rovers are locked in a battle for 3rd with Pats but a win tonight brings them within striking distance of Cork. New manager Pat Fenlon has made qualifying for Europe his priority and he knows only 3rd is good enough to secure that without help in the Cup.
3) The battle to avoid bottom spot
A huge win for Bray Wanderers over UCD last week gave them a (relatively) huge 3 point gap over the Students in the play-off spot. Bray travel to Bohs tonight without 4 key players through suspension so any point there will come as a bonus. UCD are now 4 points ahead of bottom side Athlone but they have the hardest looking run-in of any of the bottom sides. Tonight's game at home to Limerick may be their best chance of a win. Athlone are still fighting and will be hoping tonight's opponents Drogheda have one eye on the cup games next week. A win for any of the 3 would be huge.
4) Playing for next year
Sligo Rovers in 5th lead a gaggle of teams that are safe from relegation but won't threaten the top 4 and the possible European places. They travel to Derry City tonight without Sean Maguire who's returned t West ham at the end of his loan. Maguire epitomizes the Sligo season. Full of hope early but they quickly learned he wasn't up to the job and he, and they, struggled to make any impact this season. John Coleman has already released several players he didn't want at the club for next year and he has allowed some young players like Ruairi Keating get valuable game experience all with an eye to next season.
5) The promotion fight
Last week's draw between Shels and Longford left Longford in pole position to claim that automatic promotion spot. They've shown the usual nerves recently but not losing that game will be deemed good enough by manager Tony Cousins. They host Wexford Youths tomorrow looking to seal the title before the last couple of games. Shelbourne are all but assured of 2nd spot (at worst) but the final play off spot is between Galway (38 points) and Wexford (35 points). If Wexford do lose to Longford, it gives Galway a great opportunity away to Shamrock Rovers B on Sunday to open up a 6 point gap.
Whatever happens, enjoy the games!
