LOI preview: Cork City and Drogheda United plot survival boost

Drogheda United v Sligo Rovers, Weavers Park, 7.45pm

Drogheda United will smell blood as Sligo Rovers visit Weavers Park for the second time in a week tonight.

The game is one of three Premier Division matches which largely focus on the bottom of the table.

United eliminated Sligo from the FAI Cup last week showing much hunger, determination and quality despite trailing to a Max Mata penalty against the run of play at the break.

It compounded what has been a miserable year for the Bit O' Red and they will be fearful of being dragged further into the relegation picture with another loss.

The Cup exit came at a further cost as Danny Lafferty received a six-match ban for his foul on Kyle Robinson and resulting dissent.

He will miss close to two months of football and leaves Sligo with more squad woes as they aim to cope with a number of players unavailable - as they have done all year.

Portuguese striker Pedro Martelo could make his first start tonight with a possible switch to two attackers.

The Bit O' Red are expected to be without the injured quintet of Gary Boylan, Mark Byrne, Reece Hutchinson, Garry Buckley, James Finnerty.

John Russell told the Sligo Champion the squad could use reinforcing before the transfer window closes, but accepted the funds may not be available.

"The window is open until next Friday, in terms of bringing players in, the budget is very tight.

"We're carrying a lot of players with injuries, to be bringing in more players it will be difficult.

"I’m looking at possibly trying to bring in a loan, we’ll know more in the next couple of days."

Cork City v Shelbourne, Turner's Cross, 7.45pm

Cork City know they're entering a crucial bid in the battle to avoid the relegation play-off as Shelbourne visit Turner's