We're back into SSE Airtricity League action this week after the distraction of the FAI Cup. Well, kind of. Here's the most interesting things about this weekend in the LOI:
1) Can Dundalk win a trophy?
Preparations continue for the @EASPORTS Cup Final at Oriel this Saturday. pic.twitter.com/rWAdM7TYfj
— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) September 18, 2014
The EA Sports Cup final takes place tomorrow and it's live on Setanta Sports (KO 5.45pm). Dundalk host Shamrock Rovers looking for the first major trophy since the 2001/02 FAI Cup. As statman Karl Reilly pointed out, Dundalk have lost eight of their last nine cup finals in all competitions. They've easily been the best side in the league this year and they drove St Pats all the way last year too. But this great side hasn't won anything yet. They lost to Drogheda in last year's FAI Cup and on Monday lost at home to Shamrock Rovers in this year's edition. Rovers will go into tomorrow's game full of confidence and knowing all the pressure is on Stephen Kenny and the league leaders. If Dundalk don't win tomorrow, you have to think the doubts may spread to their league form too. As you can see in the above tweet, Oriel Park has a new temporary stand for the game too.
2) Can Cork keep the pressure on Dundalk in the league?
Cork City travel to Thomond Park to take on Limerick in the Munster derby on Sunday. If they win it, they'll be three points behind with five games to go (for both sides). With Dundalk having a superior goal difference and the the sides meeting in Dundalk on the final day, Cork realise they can't afford any more slip-ups. They recently drew with strugglers Bray (at home) and Athlone (away). Those dropped points could potentially keep them off the top spot this weekend. The last time Cork won by two or more goals was against Limerick in June. They'll be hoping they can repeat that goal tally as there's only so long you can grind out wins.
3) Will Pats put the FAI Cup before qualifying for Europe?
With their title all but relinquished, Pats fans have focused on the quest for the FAI Cup holy grail. The semi finals are in two weeks time and potential suspensions are very much in play. They'd be foolish to concentrate solely on that though as a European place is in play and the Saints will have Shamrock Rovers breathing down their necks. (The sides face each other in the league next week). Two wins from two in the league could practically guarantee them European football though and would free them up for a crack at the Cup. With Keith Fahey in outstanding form, they've every chance. Their game against Bray Wanderers is live on RTE 2 tonight (KO 7:o5pm)
4) Another new era for Sligo Rovers?
Sligo are onto their third boss of the season as John Coleman left for Accrington Stanley during the week. Sligo fans didn't appear to take to Coleman but they're left planning for 2015 without a manager. Gavin Dykes takes control until the end of the season and most pundits think Sligo will look to the UK once again. They face Drogheda United on Saturday and Dykes may play several players he has brought through the system as head of youth development there.
5) If Longford slip up, they're finished
We've talked about Longford's yearly chokes now for a while but if they lose tomorrow to Cobh Ramblers, they'd be taking it to a new level. They host a Cobh Ramblers side that has drawn 1 and lost 11 of their 12 away games this season. Shelbourne have the chance to go top tonight (even temporarily) when they play Shamrock Rovers B in Tolka Park. Shels are only 1 point behind Longford.
Whatever happens, enjoy the games!
