LOI preview: Bohemians bid to build lead on chasing pack

Another double-fixture Bank Holiday weekend arrives in the League of Ireland from Friday and with it a chance for Bohemians to solidify their lead at the top of the table.

The story of the season so far has been Declan Devine's side performing far above expectations, while arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers have a slightly smaller points total than expected.

This round of games will conclude the first third of the campaign. It’s been an unpredictable and dramatic year so far with plenty of entertainment.

On paper this double-header represents a major opportunity for Bohs as they travel to take on a weakened UCD side tonight before hosting the other struggling side in the division Cork City.

The other fixture tonight see Shamrock Rovers (third place) against Sligo Rovers (fifth) while second place Derry City welcome a St Patrick’s Athletic outfit in fourth.

Monday’s games sees two more top five battles when Derry and Shamrock Rovers meet as Sligo travel to Inchicore. It’s a time to make hay for Bohs and could have be a weekend they look back on in which they cemented their top three place or even begin to mount a title challenge.

The clash of the Rovers is sure to be pleasing on the eye. Sligo have scored in nine of their 11 games while failing to keep a clean sheet.

At times their football has been sensational. RB Leipzig winger Fabrice Hartmann starred last week in scoring twice against UCD while Max Mata remains the man to catch at the head of the scoring charts with eight goals.

Sligo won in Tallaght around this time two years ago. The Hoops have tasted defeat just once in the stadium in that time. Victory in Richmond Park last week showed they remain the team to fear in the league as they dealt with one of the most difficult venues