LOI preview: Away tests for Dundalk and Derry City

Three rescheduled games in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division are down for decision this evening as second-place Dundalk head to Sligo, while Shelbourne welcome Derry City to Tolka Park and Bohemians and St Pat's meet in a Dublin derby.

As things stand, Shamrock Rovers have a seven-point lead at the summit and have a game in hand on Dundalk. That said, Stephen O'Donnell's Lilywhites will be keen to put points on the board and keep the Hoops honest. They head to The Showgrounds on the back of a 3-0 loss to the Hoops, a game where their high line was exposed time and again by the opposition, who never really had to get out of second gear.

O'Donnell’s side dominated possession on the night and had chances of their own but the concession of three almost identical goals on the break meant that they never really threatened an upset.

For Sligo, reaching the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League was a high point in the season so far, but their league form has been patchy to say the least. Successive defeats to St Pat's and Finn Harps has further eroded hope that they'll be embarking on another European journey in 2023. A return to winning ways, therefore, is required for the Bit O' Red.

The winning thread is also what Derry City will be after as they strive for another go at the Conference League next season. Three successive league draws have ended any slight hope that they could challenge for the title.

Nailing down that European spot and going deep in the FAI Cup are the obvious targets for the rest of the season. Shelbourne's top-four hopes all but ended after drawing with Bohemians, but they have a game in hand on those just above them in the table and will feel a top-half finish is not beyond them.

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