A long weekend of Airtricity League football is already underway. Here's what we're looking out for
1) Can Dundalk bounce back?
Going into last week's encounter with leaders St Pats, Dundalk had all the momentum. 8 consecutive wins (6 of them in the league) and a huge increase in local support had many predicting they'd win in Inchicore, and go on to win the league. Even without the harsh sending off of captain Stephen O'Donnell, Dundalk were outplayed last week and deservedly lost. After Pats win last night, they now trail by 6 points and any slip up could be fatal. This weekend sees them play twice at home in 4 days. Tonight they host Limerick, while on Monday old rivals Derry City visit. Both sides had been in poor form recently but big wins in their last outing may fill them with confidence ahead of the trip to Oriel. If Dundalk can bounce back and win both ties, they'll be level with Pats ( albeit with a game more played) and very much keeping the pressure on.
2) Can Sligo Rovers stay in the hunt?
The Champions have won 4 of their last 6 games and currently trail Pats by 8 points (with tonight being the game "in hand"). Like Dundalk, they have 2 home games in 4 days this weekend and host Shelbourne and Cork City expecting to win both to keep their league hopes alive ahead of a visit to the leaders in 2 weeks time. If Sligo win both games this weekend, and Pats drop points against UCD next weekend, Sligo would go into that game knowing a win over St Pats would more than likely put them top.
3) Are we likely to see as good a team goal as this?
This brilliant team effort put Pats 2-0 up away to Bray last night. Goal scorer John Russell and left back Ian Bermingham were involved twice. As good a counter attack as you'll see anywhere this weekend.
Pats went on to win 3-1 to maintain their charge towards the league title.
4) Will Athlone Town clinch promotion?
It's a huge night for Athlone Town as they look to win promotion back to the Premier Division for the first time since 1996. Of the clubs in the First Division who have played in the Premier, it is by far the longest 'drought'. Roddy Collins' men know a win tonight (at home to Waterford) is all they need to reach the promised land. A draw will be enough for Athlone if Longford Town fail to beat Merbue United away.
5) Will we be any clearer on relegation?
Bray's defeat lat night helped the struggling Dublin trio of Bohs, Shels and UCD. While Bohs and UCD have built a little cushion for themselves, they'll know that every point counts down at the foot of the table. UCD (26 points) only have one game this weekend as they travel to Cork tonight. Bohs (25 points) host Derry this evening, then travel to Limerick on Monday. Shels (20 points) travel to Sligo tonight and host Drogheda ion Monday. If Shels are to avoid finishing in the bottom two, they need to pick up points pretty sharpish.
Whatever happens, enjoy the games!
