LOI preview: Crucial Louth derby for struggling Dundalk

The League of Ireland Premier Division table has an unusual look to it as match day eight takes place tonight.

When looking at this Bank Holiday round of fixtures, few would have predicted it would have been Derry trying to chase down leaders Shelbourne, or St Patrick's Athletic needing a win to close the gap on second place Sligo Rovers.

It's newly-promoted Galway United in the top half with Bohemians below ahead of a meeting in Eamonn Deacy Park.

Mid-table Shamrock Rovers are ominously warming to the task as they look to close the gap on top spot when they travel to Waterford.

But it's perhaps the woes of the bottom side that stand out so far.

Dundalk kick off the day's fixtures with a lunchtime Louth derby against Drogheda United.

They are seeking a first league win of the season to ease some pressure on Stephen O'Donnell after such a poor opening results-wise.

They managed to end a scoring drought in stoppage time against Shelbourne last Friday but have yet to find the net at Oriel Park this season.

While it's very early days in the season, there is no disguising the enormity of this game given Drogheda sit in ninth place. If the visitors were to win, the writing may be on the wall for O'Donnell in being rooted to the bottom.

He spoke openly about the need for realism around their club, given the glory days and the players that brought them are largely all gone.

Dundalk have not kept pace with other sides off-the-field and ownership changes and instability has proven costly.

But victory this afternoon could change the outlook of many and draw in several teams closer to the relegation positions, or Dundalk's worst start to the season in 52 years could reach a new today.

The Boynesiders had to go through many painful derbies