LOI preview: Battle for third place for Euro hopefuls

Friday's two league games really act as a curtain-raiser for a huge Sunday of League of Ireland action comprising the two FAI Cup semi-finals and Shamrock Rovers looking to edge closer to the title as they travel to Drogheda.

Yet, still plenty to play for in tonight’s fixtures as St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk will be both hoping to lay a claim to that vital third place position in the league. Finn Harps will also be aiming to move away from UCD at the foot of the table.

St Patrick’s Athletic v Bohemians, Richmond Park, kick-off 7:45pm

St Patrick’s Athletic will be looking to hit form for the final run in of the league campaign as they welcome Bohemians to Richmond Park this evening.

The Inchicore club are all but guaranteed a place in the top four, however, Tim Clancy’s side will be aiming to grab third place from Dundalk in the race for European football next season.

With Derry City still in FAI Cup contention, there is a chance that the top four in the table will all make it through to next year’s European competitions, however, three other teams in the semi-finals will also be trying to win the trophy, with a European spot up for grabs for the champions.

Saints impressed in Europe earlier this season and the squad will be anxious and eager to test themselves again next season, however, they have work to do to make it into the top three.

Bohemians stand in their way tonight, and while the season is just running to a close in mid-table obscurity for the Phibsboro club, the Gypsies can play with no pressure for their trip to Richmond and will be happy to throw a spanner into the home side’s ambitions.

The search for a new manager continues at the Dalymount club, however, with just four league games remaining, it may be the