Pats get the trophy and some important games on the menu this weekend. Here's what we're looking out for;
1) Can Pats players stay sober enough to beat Derry City?
After clinching the league title last week, the Champions will receive the league trophy immediately following their game with Derry City in Inchicore this evening. Pats players have been partying hard all week (deservedly so) so what type of team turns up tonight is anybody's guess. Derry will be hoping to sneak a win while Pats celebrate and remain out front in the race for fourth, and the possibility of an Europa League spot.
2) Will Bohs and Bray get the draw that kinda suits both of them?
Following Shelbourne's defeat in Limerick on Wednesday, Bray Wanderers know a single point in either of their last 2 games will ensure they enter the play offs at the expense of relegated Shelbourme. A point for Bohs would guarantee their Premier Division survival and bookmakers are already alive to an Italian Serie B style agreement.
3) What is in more trouble, UCD's Premier Division safety or Shamrock Rovers' European hopes?
UCD host Shamrock Rovers in Belfield tonight with both teams fighting for very different reasons. UCD are 3 points ahead of Bray and know a defeat tonight leaves the door open for the clip back into the play-off spot. Rovers will be hoping the Champions turn up and beat Derry, allowing them to re-take 4th spot in that battle for Europe (which still needs a Sligo FAI Cup win).
4) Who'll get 2nd, Sligo Rovers or Dundalk?
Dundalk may have been excused for feeling a bit sorry for themselves to have been in the hunt for 2 trophies and seeing them both crushed in the last fortnight. Instead their supporters will leave 2013 full of hope as the club have acted quickly to sign up most of their squad already, including the prized asset of Richie Towell. Sligo relinquished their title away to Pats last week but still have the FAI Cup final to come. Will Ian Baraclough this weekend's game with Drogheda as a dress rehearsal r will he start resting players? Both Dundalk and Sligo are assured of Europa League football next season.
5) How will Mervue United perform in the biggest game in their history?
Mervue United are in their 5th season in the League of Ireland (with apologies to all A Divisioners...) and tonight they host Longford Town in the first leg of the First Division promotion play-off. Manager Johnny Glynn has done an excellent job of bringing the mostly local side this close to promotion. They'll face a Longford side relieved to be in the play-offs after a late season slump saw them slump from first to fourth in 2 months. The winner will face the 11th place finisher in the Premier Division. What happens in Galway football if Mervue win out is anybody's guess.
Whatever happens, enjoy the games!
