All you need to know: LOI back with a bang

One hundred and two days have passed since the 2022 SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division campaign wrapped up. Now it's time to start all over again.

There's four top-flight games down for decision on Friday night. Here's all you need to know.

St Pat's v Derry City, Richmond Park, 7.45pm

St Pat's brought in six new faces over the winter, but it's the retention of 15 players from last term that gives boss Tim Clancy hope they can enjoy better consistency.

Clancy had a a significant rebuild to contend with when he took the reins from Dundalk-bound Stephen O'Donnell over a year ago so he'll have welcomed a more settled pre-season this time.

Tommy Lonergan's return to Inchicore was widely welcomed after his excellent year at UCD. Clancy has also added Estonian international midfielder Vladislav Kreida, Dutch defender Noah Lewis and Jake Mulraney, back in Ireland after a stint with Orlando FC in the MLS. The loan arrivals of Jay McGrath from Coventry City and Wolves' Conor Carty also add quality.

Last season Derry won three of the the four meetings these clubs had; the other game was a draw. So it's a tough first assignment for the Saints, albeit one Clancy is relishing.

"It's a great first game for us and we're looking forward to it," he said.

"Our first two matches this season will be at home so we're hoping to make that advantage count and start well in front of our home fans."

Derry are many people's fancies to deny Shamrock Rovers the four-in-a-row this year. They've signed well too: Colm Whelan from UCD, goalkeeper Tadhg Ryan from Bohemians, Ben Doherty from Larne and ex-St Pat's midfielder Adam O'Reilly who signed from Preston North End.

They also completed the loan signing of winger Ollie O'Neill from Fulham on