The Airtricity League returns tonight after the mid-season break and the season is only going to get more interesting from here. We look at the 5 storylines to look out for this weekend.
1) Can St Pats bounce back from defeat in Dundalk?
Pats have started other seasons quite well, and have always faded away. Many Pats fans lay the blame for that on European treks to Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Bosnia etc. While the reason for their slumps may be unclear, the fact that they happened is in no doubt. This team is clearly better than those in previous years though and there has been nothing to suggest that they can't sustain a title challenge. If they want to continue to lead the league, they'll need to beat the inform Bray Wanderers complete with goalscoring hero Jason Byrne. It'll be pretty ominous for Pats if they can't win tonight.
2) Can Shamrock Rovers continue to claw their way back into contention?
Rovers have won 4 and drawn 2 of their 6 games in the second series so far gaining ground on all the top teams. Tonight they travel to Drogheda where they have a ridiculously good record to face a team missing 4 through suspension. With manager Trevor Croly looking to add a striker to his squad in July, there'll be plenty of teams looking anxiously over their shoulder at Rovers
3) Can Derry City go top again?
They'll need Pats to lose, but Derry can go top for the second time this season if that happens and they beat a struggling Bohemians side in the Brandywell tonight. Aaron Callaghan was strongly criticised by sections of the Bohs support after their 3-0 defeat to bottom side Shelbourne 2 weeks ago and he'll be looking for a big reaction this evening. Even without the suspended Rory Patterson, Derry should have enough goals in them to win this. The sides also face each other on Monday in the EA Sports Cup quarter-final.
4) Can Sligo bring Shels back down to earth?
After just 1 win in 16 and only 6 goals scored, Shels 3-0 win away to Bohs shocked the league. Not that they won, but the fact they scored 3 times. New manager John McDonnell seems to have them better organised than Alan Mathews but will that be enough to prevent Sligo from gaining all 3 points? Sligo had struggled for goals with 4 scoreless outings before blasting 5 past UCD last time out. They haven't won any of their last 4 away games either but Ian Baraclough's men will be expecting that run to stop tonight.
5) Can Dundalk keep their away form up?
Dundalk travel to Limerick with 7 wins from 8 away games and on the back of a 2-1 win over leaders St Pats. Stephen Kenny's charges are in 4th position and have to be considered as challengers now. Their first experience of Thomond Park will be a test though as Limerick look to consolidate their mid-table position boosted by the news that Scottish striker Craig Curran is signing permanently when his loan deal ends this weekend.
Whatever happens, enjoy the games!
