For the first time this season all 6 Premier Division games take place on the same night this weekend. Here's what we're looking forward to in week 4 of the SSE Airtricity League;
1) Can Shamrock Rovers inflict a 3rd consecutive defeat on Sligo Rovers?
Sligo Rovers haven't lost 3 leagues in a row since 2009. They only lost 3 in the the whole of their 2012 title winning season (and two of them were after the league was secured). They face a trip to Tallaght this evening on the back of 1-0 defeats to Bray (away) and Dundalk (home). Another defeat for Sligo would see them 7 points behind Shamrock Rovers already. Rovers have won back to back games themselves and will fancy their chances of a first win over Sligo in Tallaght since May 2011 (a run of 4 games). The game is the first live TV game to be played on Friday night and should be a cracker. Kick off is 7.05pm on RTE 2.
2) Can the Champions kick start their season in Derry?
St Pats have had a spluttering start to the season. Injuries to Killian Brennan and Keith Fahey haven't helped but their only win this season came courtesy of an injury time winner at home to UCD. Their defeat to Sligo on Tuesday in the Setanta Cup showed their squad depth isn't as strong as some believed. They started last season with 2 defeats in the 4 opening games but Liam Buckley would dearly love a win tonight in Derry to get things going. Derry are looking for their first win themselves but Roddy Collins was encouraged by his side's 2nd half performance in Drogheda last week as they created multiple chances. If the pitch has improved since their last game, both sides will be trying desperately for that win.
3) Can Athlone Town get their first point at home to Cork City?
Athlone Town are the only club yet to win a point (all the rest have at least 2) and host the joint leaders Cork City tonight. Their previous home game saw them lose 4-1 to another joint leader Shamrock Rovers. With Bray playing UCD and Limerick playing Drogheda, the other teams tipped for relegation have chances to pick up points tonight. Cork City manager John Caulfield is clearly delighted with their start. He'll be looking for another 3 points to bring back to Cork for the visit of Shamrock Rovers next week.
4) Will Dundalk continue to roll?
Dundalk started their competitive season with 3 straight defeats but they've won the last 4 including impressive away wins against Sligo and Shamrock Rovers in the space of 3 days last weekend. With Richie Towell back to full fitness they'll be strong favourites to continue that run tonight at home to Bohemians. Bohs defeat in the derby against Rovers was the first setback for their young team this season and they'll be hoping to bounce back this evening. Manager Owen Heary felt their play deserved more from last week's game and they might need a bit of luck to get something from Oriel.
5) Which of the goalkeeping Ryan brothers gets bragging rights tonight?
Looking forward to tonight playing against old club and bro @LimerickFCie @DroghedaUnited @BazzzaRyan #gkunion #bro's
— david ryan (@ryhno608) March 28, 2014
There's been some goalkeeping brothers in the last 25 years or so (Dave & Stephen Henderson, Alan & Dermot O'Neill etc) and tonight for the first time the Ryan brothers play each other. The 2 were together at Limerick for their promotion season of 2012 and older brother Barry still has that starting job. He'll welcome David to Thomond Park tonight as Limerick host Drogheda United. While they might settle for a scoreless draw, Limerick will be trying to secure their first win of the season.
Whatever happens, enjoy the games!
