Another 10 games on the slate for this weekend in the Airtricity League (6 in the Premier Division, 4 in the First Division), so what are the most interesting storylines to look out for?
1) Can Cork City stop Sligo Rovers from equalling their record start to a Premier Division?
Cork City currently hold the Premier Division record of 8 wins to start the season from the 1998/99 season. (Bohs hold the LOI record with 15 games to start the season. They lost 2 of remaining 3 games to finish with 2nd best ever season record). Tomorrow Cork travel to The Showgrounds to face a Sligo Rovers side who have won their opening seven leagues games a combined 17-2. Cork have drawn their 3 away games so far but only for late equalisers in Drogheda and Tallaght could have a far better record than they do. Anyone who watches the game on TV (RTE, 3.55pm) will also get to see some of the best young midfielders in the country as Cawley and Lynch (Sligo) battle with Duggan and Morrissey (Cork).
2) Shamrock Rovers can't draw again. Can they?
As Rovers have drawn 6 of 7, it's clearly a possibility. Bray Wanderers have an OK record in Tallaght too. They drew the only game last season and split wins with Rovers the year before. Bray are part of the four that look to be already being cur adrift at bottom of the table. The only side from the top eight to have dropped any points against Bohs, Shels, UCD or Bray is Shamrock Rovers (with scoreless draws away to Bohs & Shels). Once again though, Rovers will be heavy favourites to pick up the win.
3) Which of Dundalk and Derry City will emerge as genuine contenders?
Derry have smashed the struggling teams recently but should face a tougher task tonight against a Dundalk side that sit in third place. Any alledged advantage Dundalk have because of their astro pitch hasn't really proved to be correct this season as Dundalk have yet to win at home. They've drawn their last two games in Oriel Park 2-2, both after going 0-2 down. With the confidence Derry are playing with, exemplified by the Patrick McEleney goal above, Dundalk can't go 2 down tonight and expect to get a result.
4) Can Pats score more than once away to UCD?
Pats have only played five games so far due to postponements but have yet to score twice in a game. They've won 3 times and winning their back games against stuggling Bohs & Shels sides would have them in 3rd position. However all 3 wins have been by a 1-0 scoreline. Tonight they travel to Belfield to play a UCD side that have conceded at least twice in all 7 of their games. If Pats can't score twice here, where will they score? UCD however are a bit of a bogey side for Pats and have won 3 of the last 5 league games in Belfield between the sides. Last year the sides drew 1-1 and it would shock no-one if that scoreline was repeated.
5) Will the top of the First Division get even tighter?
We've said all season that the First Division is wide open and only 3 points seperate leaders Longford Town from the Wexford Youths side they travel to play tonight in fourth place. If Wexford win and Mervue & Finn Harps draw away to Cobh and Athlone, there'll be four teams at the top of the leageu all on 10 points. A win for Waterford over struggling Salthill Devon would put another 2 sides 3 points back from the leaders too.
Whatever happens, enjoy the games.
